Dublin: Opposition Leader Mary Lou McDonald has urged the government and Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan to acknowledge what she described as the worsening security situation in Dublin.
The call comes after the minister said last week that security in the capital was “satisfactory” and that Dublin was safe to walk around “at any time of the day or night.” The remarks have drawn sharp criticism from opposition parties, who argue that the minister is out of touch with reality.
McDonald said the comments echoed those of a previous minister who dismissed safety concerns.
“There are new forms of violence in Dublin, and we have to accept this reality. Over recent years, the city has become unsafe for both residents and visitors. Some areas are particularly dangerous, with repeated violent incidents, stabbings, and attacks on public transport,” the Sinn Féin leader said.
She stressed that newly appointed Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly must make community safety in Dublin city centre a priority. McDonald argued that the only effective solution is the deployment of more Gardaí and called on the government, Garda authorities, and Dublin City Council to take action that reflects the realities of community life in the city.
Social Democrats TD Gary Gannon also condemned the minister’s remarks, describing them as “mad” and evidence of how far removed O’Callaghan is from daily life in Dublin.
The debate over safety has intensified following a series of recent assaults on members of the Indian community in Dublin. The attacks prompted the cancellation of India Day celebrations in the capital and sparked protests demanding stronger protections.
Despite the criticism, Minister O’Callaghan has maintained that the number of attacks in Dublin has actually declined compared to last year.
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