The Government has published the first annual progress update on implementing the Dublin City Taskforce's recommendations, noting advances on flagship projects, strengthened delivery structures and upgrades to the public realm, safety and cleanliness. The report also concedes that investment must translate into clearer, on-the-ground improvements for the public, and that sustained effort is required.

Established in 2024 to address public safety concerns and a diminished experience of the capital, the Taskforce proposed 10 Big Moves to revitalise Dublin. An Interdepartmental Group produced a Roadmap for Delivery, released in June 2025, which phases the 10 Big Moves across three stages and five strands.

The publication, Building Momentum - Reporting Progress on the Roadmap for Delivery, records Phase One progress focused on detailed preparation and accelerating delivery.

Governance and delivery arrangements have been put in place, including the Oversight Board and appointments to the Programme Management Unit (PMU), which will precede the creation of a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV).

Key milestones include Government agreement on the process to redevelop the GPO complex and the State's purchase of a 200-metre O'Connell Street site to support Metrolink and wider State objectives. Work to improve street safety and cleanliness, invest in the public realm and strengthen community engagement has also advanced.

The Interim PMU, and subsequently the SPV, will prioritise a 10-year Integrated Area Strategy for the city centre. Stakeholder engagement is under way to shape this strategy, which will guide a comprehensive Rejuvenation Plan for Dublin.

Policing and crime: Over the first 12 months of An Garda Síochána's High Visibility Policing Presence operation in the core area (rolled out in March 2025), headline indicators suggest the initiative is reducing visible crime, though some categories have risen. Total high-visibility crime within the target boundary fell by 4%, while nationally (excluding Dublin) it rose by 2%. Next steps aim to align people's experiences and sense of safety with these statistics. Waste: Dublin City Council's Waste Management Strategy is delivering results, with the city centre's IBAL (Irish Business Against Litter) score improving in June 2026. The removal of the derogation that allowed household waste to be left out in plastic bags has eliminated thousands of bags nightly across around 200 city-centre streets. More staff and litter-control vehicles, expanded cleaning zones, enhanced street washing, increased fines, business engagement and communication campaigns are all contributing to cleaner streets.

Public realm and greening: Upgrades have been completed on Talbot Street, Cathedral Street, Cathal Brugha Street, North Earl Street, O'Connell Street and Dame Lane. The Love the Lanes initiative is improving Coles Lane, Talbot Lane, Dame Court, Mabbott Lane and Andrew's Lane.

Welcoming the report, Taoiseach Micheál Martin said: "The Government is committed to transforming Dublin city centre, and progress has been made from one year's focused work on Dublin's rejuvenation. The report notes improvements in safety and cleanliness and work on key landmark projects is progressing, namely the GPO, and the recent acquisition of the O'Connell St site by the State. However, I hear the concerns that people have, indeed I share them - more needs to be done. We need to see the investment the Government is making translate into what people are experiencing as they walk around the city. We're not there yet, but we are invested in the future, in the project, and in highlighting the excellent initiatives that have been implemented by Dublin City Council."

Tánaiste Simon Harris said: "We have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to drive the renewal of Dublin city centre and the Taskforce is the vehicle. There has been welcome progress in implementing the initial phases of the roadmap for delivery, including key appointments and the establishment of key structures. There have also been some improvements in priority areas such as the safety and cleanliness of streets, investment in the public realm and progress on landmark projects.

"We are paying respect to our history, celebrating our culture and ensuring the streets are safe. There is much yet to be achieved and it is time now to redouble our efforts. The Government's intention is to roll out a transformational programme in Dublin that can be replicated in other areas of need. I look forward to all departments and agencies continuing to work collectively with commitment on implementing the critical next steps in the roadmap."

Building Momentum - Reporting Progress on the Roadmap for Delivery is available at: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-the-taoiseach/publications/dublin-city-taskforce/

The Report of the Interdepartmental Group on the Dublin City Taskforce and the Roadmap for Delivery can be found at: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-the-taoiseach/publications/dublin-city-taskforce/