Turning commitment into delivery for Dublin
My recent general election campaign revolved around one clear promise: to be a strong voice for Dublin in Dáil Éireann. Our capital must become safer, more liveable, and a more attractive destination for people across Ireland and the world, writes James Geoghegan, Fine Gael TD for Dublin Bay South.
This is not just a Dublin challenge. As the country’s economic and cultural hub, a thriving capital is a national good. From tourism and investment to talent attraction and public services, every part of Ireland benefits when Dublin works well.
That is why I strongly welcome the Programme for Government’s commitment to fully implement the recommendations of the Dublin City Centre Taskforce. Critically, this commitment sits within the Department of the Taoiseach, a signal of intent that this will be a priority across government, not just for one department or local authority.
Anyone familiar with Irish policy delivery knows how important that positioning is. Real delivery requires coordination, political will, and the weight of the Taoiseach’s office to bring various strands together. The Taskforce’s report outlines over 20 detailed actions that, taken together, can unlock a better future for our capital, from public realm upgrades and nighttime economy reforms to better use of vacant buildings and stronger support for local services.
But while the intent is there, delivery must now follow. The Taskforce made one point repeatedly: if Dublin City Council is to act as the lead implementation body, it must be supported to do so. That means providing resources and tools, not just expectations.
Dublin City Council manages many of the day-to-day functions that shape quality of life in the capital, yet it operates on a far tighter budget per capita than many other European cities of similar size. When tasked with delivering ambitious change, as the Taskforce rightly recommends, it must have the funding and autonomy to succeed. This is not about duplication or overlap with central government, but about smart partnership.
That partnership is already visible in some areas. The expansion of city-centre policing, investment in Garda visibility, and planned legislative reforms around anti-social behaviour are all critical and welcome. These must now be matched by local-level investment in public space, cleansing, lighting, planning enforcement, and community activation, all areas where the Council has direct responsibility.
This is also a chance to reimagine how we approach urban development. As our capital evolves, so must our governance structures. Strengthening local government, supporting evidence-based pilot projects, and building policy capacity within city institutions will be essential for sustained progress.
This is not a short-term project. The challenges and opportunities facing Dublin, from housing and public safety to culture and climate adaptation, require long-term coordination and consistency across electoral cycles. The Taskforce provides a shared blueprint. The Government’s commitment is a strong first step. But momentum must now be maintained.
Recent events in our city centre are a reminder of what is at stake. The urgency is real. And the path forward is clear.
If we empower our local institutions, ensure coordinated delivery across government, and hold fast to the shared vision set out in the Taskforce report, we can build a capital city that is safer, more vibrant, and more inclusive, not just for Dubliners, but for everyone who calls Ireland home.
The work starts now.
