DublinTown, the representative body for city centre businesses, describes the period from now until the end of the year as a “make or break” season for many traders.
Its CEO, Richard Guiney, noted that footfall in the city centre has dropped 2pc on 2023, with DublinTown research consistently highlighting “concern for personal safety” as the primary reason people avoid visiting.
This news comes after the Minister for Justice revealed that more than 12,000 people have been arrested in Dublin city centre since January.
Speaking on Newstalk radio after meeting city centre retailers, she said there have been shifts in behaviour post-Covid, with increases in “challenging behaviours” and “thefts”.
Ms McEntee added there has been a “shift” within urban centres, with more people working from home creating a “different dynamic” in cities.
She went on to say that gardaí have listened to retailers’ concerns and implemented a “specific garda operation” to address the issue.
“It’s working on the basis that 40pc of this retail crime is committed by about 8–9pc of people,” Ms McEntee said.
“So, if you target and identify those individuals, you’re almost halving the crimes in our shops.”
Mr Guiney, CEO of DublinTown, said city centre businesses are hoping to achieve around 35pc of their annual turnover between now and the end of the year.
“This is truly make-or-break time for many businesses at the end of what has been a very challenging year,” he said.
“While overall footfall is down 2pc, some traders report sales lagging well behind that figure.”
Mr Guiney said these figures “require a response” from the Minister for Justice and Garda Commissioner at this critical time.
“In November 2023, a seriously enhanced and visible garda presence instilled a sense of public safety and confidence, ensuring a better-than-expected Christmas period,” he said.
“Given the precarious position of many businesses now, this needs to be repeated.
“DublinTown, on behalf of the city’s 2,000 consumer-facing businesses, is calling on the Government and the Garda Commissioner to commit to a similar presence in November and December this year.”
Mr Guiney added that while the report from the Taoiseach’s task force on the future of Dublin city points the way towards rejuvenation, businesses must remain viable until it is implemented.
“The situation is precarious, but Dubliners are proud of their city and want to reclaim it,” he said.
“DublinTown is confident that when the public see a concerted effort to rejuvenate the city core, they will rally behind it.
“But a successful Christmas period will be key to keeping many businesses in the city centre alive.”
