Proper investment in street art could be the answer to illegal graffiti and vandalism in our cities, according to the head of the Dublin Theatre Festival.

Willie White was speaking after it emerged that the cost of removing illegal graffiti will almost double in some areas this year.

Dublin Cllr Derren Ó Brádaigh is warning that South Dublin County Council spent €71,000 on graffiti removal last year – and that figure is set to almost double in 2024.

The Sinn Féin Cllr called for tougher penalties for those “bent on mindlessly spray painting our public spaces” and increased investment in community mural projects that recognise artistic young people.

On Newstalk Breakfast today, Mr White said it is important to make the distinction between “vandalism and street art”.

“There is certainly very poor-quality graffiti around Dublin that isn’t good to look at,” he said.

“There is an anti-social element doing poor quality graffiti around Dublin that isn’t very good to look at,” he said.

“Maybe it would be worth trying to do something better instead with the cooperation of artists in the community.

“When street art is good, it’s fantastic and really enhances a community.”

He noted that graffiti around the grounds of Dalymount Park and the ‘Pass Freely’ mural on O’Connell Street are perfect examples of how street art can enhance an area. 

The ‘U Are Alive’ mural on Grantham Street. Image: Richard Cummins / Alamy Stock Photo

Mr White said Dublin City Council (DCC) should reach out to communities to gauge interest in street art.

“Fire of all, they need to have a relationship with the community,” he said.

“Then you find out what the community is interested in, the stories they want to tell, and you match them with an artist.

“You also need to identify sites.”

The Red Squirrel mural on Tara Street. Image: BeeTee / Alamy Stock Photo

Mr White said the city council should act as a “broker” between artists and communities.

“It’s as simple as that and their arts office already has lots of relationships built with artists and communities,” he said.

“The idea is if you put really good quality street art, not on Georgian houses which I believe to be vandalism, but on derelict sites and blank walls - I think that could work very well.

“It can really enhance a community, it can bring a sense of pride and place, it’s a great addition to communities and something nice to look at.”

Other famous murals around Dublin include a James Joyce quote on Harmon Street and the ‘U Are Alive’ mural on Grantham Street.

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Main image: Street art on Fleet Street. Image: Greg Balfour Evans / Alamy Stock Photo