Community safety wardens are to be introduced in Dublin's north inner city to observe and report antisocial behaviour.
They will initially operate around Capel Street, Jervis Street and Wolfe Tone Square and will be employed by business group Dublin Town.
The uniformed wardens will be funded by the Department of Justice from money that has come from the proceeds of crime.
Cormac Ó Donnchú is chair of the north inner city community safety partnership. He says they won't be taking on the role of Gardaí but will provide a visible on-street presence to guide the public and liaise with stakeholders;
"It's really important to stress this is a non-enforcement role. Our wardens really in lots of ways, we'd be familiar with the concept of maybe park wardens. Our community safety wardens will provide a high visibility presence on the street."
It follows a presentation to councillors at the city council's monthly joint policing committee.
Crime figures
Public reps were also given an update on crime figures for the Dublin Metropolitan Region which show a 21 per cent increase in burglaries over the last year.
There were 3,111 reported up to the end of October, compared to 2,579 during the same period last year.
Assault causing harm saw a 13 per cent rise, while robberies from a person increased by 8 per cent.
