Dublin businesses concerned with worsening city centre safety
About one in three Dublin businesses say safety concerns are affecting employees’ willingness to work in or travel to the city centre, according to Dublin Chamber’s latest Business Outlook Survey.
The Q3 2026 survey found that 51% of respondents said that City Centre safety has gotten worse, while 26% said concerns about safety or anti-social behaviour were affecting employees’ willingness to work early morning or evening hours. These findings underline the need for a sustained, visible Garda presence and greater coordination in tackling anti-social behaviour.
Stephen Browne (pic), Head of Public Affairs said: “People need to feel safe travelling to work, meeting clients and spending time in the city centre.
“When safety concerns influence whether staff are willing to come into the city or work particular hours, there are direct consequences for businesses and the wider city economy. A visible Garda presence is essential, particularly at the times and in the areas where people feel most vulnerable.
“Businesses need to see a consistent response to anti-social behaviour and improvements that make a difference to the daily experience of their staff and customers.” Almost a quarter of respondents, 24%, said safety concerns had affected hosting clients, meetings or events in the city centre.
A further 21% reported an impact on decisions about office or business location, while 18% said security or operating costs had been affected. Browne added: “A thriving city centre depends on people choosing to spend time there.
“Policing must be supported by well-maintained streets, better lighting and action on vacancy and dereliction. Government, Dublin City Council and An Garda Síochána must work together to ensure Dublin is a welcoming place to work, visit and do business.”
The survey also found that 37% of respondents believed safety was broadly unchanged compared with 12 months ago, while 11% reported an improvement. Dublin Chamber’s Q3 2026 Business Outlook Survey captured the views of over 200 companies across the Dublin region between 25 August and 18 September.
