Dublin city councillors are divided over a proposal to introduce private security patrols in the city centre, according to RTE.ie. The plan would see 50 "safety wardens" patrolling the area under a scheme paid for by local businesses, the Irish Independent reports.
The Irish Times also reports that private security would patrol Dublin city centre under the new proposals. The measure has drawn criticism from some councillors, with the Irish Times carrying a report describing private security on O'Connell Street as undemocratic.
Questions have also been raised about what the wardens could actually do. BreakingNews.ie reports that private security patrolling Dublin would not have additional capacity to arrest people.
The reporting indicates the scheme is backed by local businesses rather than the council itself, which appears central to the objections raised by opposing councillors. The available material does not set out a timeline for a decision or the full terms of the proposal.
The debate comes as the question of who pays for and controls visible policing in the capital's main streets draws political attention. The Irish Times report on O'Connell Street suggests the location is a particular focus of concern.
It remains to be seen whether the plan proceeds in its current form or is amended in response to the concerns raised by councillors.
