Redevelopment of public realm space in Dublin’s famous nightlife centre Temple Bar is underway amid growing concerns about public safety in the area.

Dublin City Council started work on the Temple Bar Square Area Improvement Scheme on 10 May, and the scheme covers approximately 25.8K SF. The project encompasses Crown Alley, Temple Bar Square, Temple Bar Street and parts of Fownes Street Lower and Cope Street.

The total cost is estimated at €5M, and the work is expected to take 18 months to complete.

However, many Temple Bar business owners have claimed that the area is rapidly turning into a dangerous and unwelcoming place, according to The Irish Independent.

It said that in recent weeks there have been widespread complaints from local businesses about gangs of youths in the district’s streets dealing drugs, causing fights and shoplifting.

Business owners said that when gardaí cracked down on troublemakers flouting coronavirus rules around Grafton Street during the lockdowns, they relocated to the area.

But Martin Harte, chief executive of business group the Temple Bar Company, told The Irish Times that he disputed local bar owners’ claims that the area had become dangerous.

“I’m not saying people haven’t had issues — this is a capital city — but is it widespread, and reflective of the area in general? Absolutely not,” he said.

Dublin City Council is hopeful that the regeneration project will help to make the area a busier and more secure location.

“This area attracts approximately 60,000 pedestrians per day,” Lord Mayor of Dublin Caroline Conroy said. “Together with the ongoing works on Liffey Street, the decision to make Capel Street traffic-free and the plans for College Green, this is another important step in putting pedestrians at the heart of city life.”

Temple Bar Street, located between Fownes Street Lower and Temple Lane South and Crown Alley, will be reconstructed with granite footpaths and the traditional Temple Bar cobbled carriageways.

Once completed, the project will result in a greatly enhanced public realm and pedestrian-friendly space, the council said.

The construction works will create a single surface finish between the buildings on each side of the square, including removal of the steps on the central portion of the square.

The scheme design will also incorporate tree planting, new bench seating and a new public lighting system.