Seána Glennon: We need to take back our city and make it a safe space for all

The capital has become a hostile environment but changing that requires meaningful action by the authorities not just on policing but also on the design of our public places

A young woman walks by a mural by Irish artist Emmalene in Dublin city centre: ‘Beyond policing, we also need to look at the design of our public spaces.’ Picture: Getty

The attack on Jack Woolley, who recently represented Ireland at the Tokyo Olympics in taekwondo, in Dublin last weekend is the most recent example of the persistent problem of antisocial behaviour in the capital. Shuttered businesses and empty streets during the lockdown periods have rendered the city centre a hostile environment.

The problem has not been resolved with the easing of restrictions. Video footage has been widely shared of violent disturbances in the city over ...