A Better City For All

Background to A Better City For All

The issue of public substance misuse and anti-social behaviour, actual or perceived, has for a long time been a source of media focus and public concern in Dublin. In 2011 a partnership of stakeholders with particular concerns about the issue was formed with the objective of developing sustainable responses to the many factors that contribute to the issue. In June 2012, following research and in depth discussion, the report A better city for all: a partnership approach to address public substance misuse and perceived anti-social behaviour in Dublin city centre, (view the report)  was launched in the Mansion House by the then Lord Mayor. The report made almost 60 recommendations across the pillars of treatment, rehabilitation, homelessness, alcohol supply, policing, planning and urban design, legislation and partnership. The members of the A better city for all agree that the issue of substance-related anti-social behaviour is primarily a public health issue and any sustainable long term solution can only be delivered in that context.

Throughout 2013, a Better city for all: Implementation committee, chaired by the Area manager for Dublin City Council progressed the recommendations. Following an evaluation of the process in January 2014, it was agreed that the group had advanced the recommendations as far as possible. It was agreed that further progress in the area would require the establishment of a stronger statutory involvement including senior budget holders across key agencies working in tandem.  The group also agreed a number of key further recommendations, including the establishment of a focussed street outreach team to respond to the needs of some of the most marginalised individuals in the city centre. In 2014, a Higher Level Statutory Group, comprising representatives of Dublin City Council, An Garda Síochána, the HSE and the Dublin Regional Homeless Executive was established. Also, since September 2014 a street level outreach team, including community Gardaí, HSE workers and the Ana Liffey drug project, has been formed to operate on a case management basis with individuals in need of particular social supports.

The Better City For All process has been seen as an extremely positive initiative by those involved. Consequently, it was agreed that there remained a need for those frontline services that are responding to the ongoing social, health and economic issues and challenges in the city, to maintain a continuous partnership network. The 'Towards A Better City For All' seminar on May 6th was the inaugural seminar in what it is hoped will be the formation of a continuous process of dialogue and partnership.

Guiding Principles and Objectives of A better City for All

• Responses should be coordinated and partnership-based

• Responses should be evidence-based

• Responses should complement and not duplicate other relevant policies

• Responses should be measurable

• Responses should not make problems worse or simply shift them elsewhere

• Responses should reduce public fears and address perceptions of concern associated with clients receiving drug treatment

• Responses should decrease the visibility of substance misuse

• Responses should address negative perceptions of the city as an unsafe place to be

• Responses should promote a balanced perspective on the issues