Following the attack on a US tourist in Dublin’s north inner city, one worker on Talbot Street said they feel “threatened everyday”. 

Newstalk reporter Josh Crosbie went to Talbot Street and found people had different experiences in the area. 

One person who has worked in a shop on the street for six years said they are often too scared to even use the front door. 

“I'm threatened every day that someone will cut my head off, that they're waiting for me outside,” they said on The Hard Shoulder. 

“Mostly they're trying to steal something, and we don’t have security as we can't afford it.” 

They said they and other workers have experienced “spitting, pushing, hitting [and] kicking” from people on Talbot Street. 

“There was a period I was feeling mentally not ready to work,” they said. 

However, Singer Sewing owner John said he has never had a violent experience on Talbot Street. 

“Every street has its story to tell,” he said. “This street is a good community street.” 

He said, however, that the street should be kept cleaner and there should be an increased Garda presence. 

'Cautious definitely'

Canadian tourist Richard told Josh Talbot Street was “not bad” in terms of safety. 

“[I don’t feel] unsafe, but cautious definitely,” he said. “Vancouver is no different.” 

Talbot Street, Dublin. Image: George Carter / Alamy Stock Photo

Dublin City Councillor Joe Costello said increased Garda visibility is necessary to reduce anti-social behaviour. 

“Not all the Garda training should take place in Templemore,” he said. “The latter part of training takes part in an urban setting. 

“[We get] an extra influx of Gardaí to the capital but also it would mean Gardaí would be adjusted to an urban setting and urban policing to a greater level.” 

Garda visibility

Lord Mayor of Dublin Daithí de Róiste told the show in a separate interview an increased Garda presence would make people feel safer. 

“It lessens street gangs, people hanging around on corners and it lessens opportunity crime,” he said. 

Despite that, he also said we need longer-term solutions to prevent crime. 

“There's a quality-of-life issue, a reputational issue,” he said. 

Taskforce

“[We need] more longer lasting multi-agency approach and we need more social workers," Mr de Róiste said. "We need to keep people out of criminality.” 

He  said the North Inner-City Taskforce has not done enough to improve a feeling of safety in Dublin. 

“They've worked with community and it’s unseen work a lot,” he said. “But if the problem still persists, we need to look at it again.” 

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