Dublin city has multiple requirements: increased visibility of police (Gardai) on the streets, additional housing, utilisation of abandoned commercial properties, firm action against landlords allowing their properties to fall into disrepair, improved waste handling, enhanced regulation of services for the homeless, more public toilets and reduced traffic congestion. One could argue that Dublin does not require another government report listing its needs, especially one released in the twilight of a governmental term.
David McRedmond, the CEO of An Post and the chair of the Taoiseach’s Dublin City Taskforce, is not ignorant of this apparent critique. He indicates in the introductory remarks to the taskforce’s recently published report, straightforwardly stating, “Dublin does not require a further plan.” This sentiment is reemphasised in the report’s appendix which notes 73 plans, strategies, and reports on the city examined as part of the taskforce’s function.
According to Mr McRedmond, most of the recommendations offered by the taskforce were extracted from preceding reports, but have yet to be actualized or are of an insufficient scale. The Taskforce’s distinct intention, he says, is to execute measures that surpass the magnitude of the external troubles confronting the city.
The taskforce proposes 10 substantial strategies, some of notable ambition. Dispatching an extra 1,000 Gardai onto city streets could drastically enhance public safety and the perception of security – key factors in drawing people back to the city centre. Similarly, the report urges stronger security on public transport and city wardens dedicated to combating litter and antisocial conduct.
A provision is also suggested to ban social media platforms from broadcasting footage of Gardai performing their duties – a daring, albeit impractical recommendation.
The report has a significant proposal for improved and properly placed services for at-risk groups. This includes a suggestion from a Dublin Region Homeless Executive report, published exactly three years prior, advocating for regulations to address the rapid increase of volunteer organisations distributing tents and other assistance to the homeless. The report was never actualised, potentially due to unease about suppressing charitable individuals making up for the State’s neglect.
Moreover, the proposal to repurpose unused buildings as houses is far less divisive and is currently being carried out by the city council, albeit on a small scale. If this initiative was amplified, it could considerably enhance the city’s quality of life, but it would be extremely costly.
The taskforce recognises that its suggestions could amount to a €1 billion implementation bill and an ongoing €150 million per year for maintenance. The Taoiseach, Simon Harris, views this sum as feasible. Harris is set to assemble a cross-department team to review all the proposals and present a three-year action plan by mid-December. It is expected this will occur after the general election.