Written answer
An Garda Síochána
Operation Citizen was replaced by a high-visibility policing plan, which reduced offences, increased proactive detections and expanded across Dublin and other cities.
855. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration for an update on the effectiveness of Operation Citizen in improving public safety in Dublin city centre; the number of arrests and charges made under the operation to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [64659/26]
Comment on this
The Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána under section 33 of the Policing, Security and Community Safety Act 2024, which includes all operational policing matters.
I am advised by Garda authorities that Operation Citizen commenced in Dublin City Centre on the 22 October 2021. The purpose of this Operation was to reassure the public, residents, tourists, businesses and workers that Dublin City Centre is a positive, safe environment. Particular focus was placed on anti-social behaviour, public order and quality of life issues, assaults and high-volume crimes.
Operation Citizen was discontinued in February 2025 when a new High Visibility Policing Plan was introduced in Dublin City. Due to the success of the Plan in Dublin City Centre, it was expanded to other areas of the Dublin Metropolitan Region (DMR) as well as Cork, Limerick and Galway in early 2026.
The Garda authorities have provided the tables below in respect of the DMR. They show a marked increase in Proactive Policing Detections:
The Garda authorities have also provided the table below which shows the number of incidents and policing activities recorded on the PULSE system in the DMR North Central and DMR South Central Divisions since the commencement of the High Visibility Policing Plan on 22 March 2025 to 10 September 2026.
An Garda Síochána, as a community based police service, is committed to ensuring and maintaining a high visibility presence in our communities. The benefits of high visibility policing are evident within Dublin City Centre with the reduction in a number of offences combined with an increase in proactive detections.
Dublin, like any major European capital has a wide range of complex social and professional dynamics. An Garda Síochána is committed to working with all sectors of political, economic and civic society to reassure the public, residents, visitors, businesses and workers that Dublin is, in the main, a safe place to live, visit, socialise, conduct business and enjoy.