WHAT WE SAY.

Over the past year, local businesses and residents on Aston Quay and across Temple Bar have been working closely together to make real improvements to our neighbourhood. Through the Aston Quay and Temple Bar Business and Residents’ Alliance, we’ve built strong partnerships with An Garda Síochána, Dublin City Council, our local TDs, and local Councillors, who have all been engaging actively with us to address the challenges in the area.

That collaboration is now beginning to show results. There’s been noticeable progress in tackling street-level issues, improving safety, and creating a more welcoming environment for everyone who lives, works, or visits here.

One of the most exciting developments is the plan for a pilot project to revitalise Adair Lane — a small but important laneway linking Aston Quay and Temple Bar. Following a constructive meeting with Dublin City Council earlier this year, it was agreed that Adair Lane would serve as a pilot for targeted improvements aimed at reducing antisocial behaviour and encouraging positive use of the space.

The idea is simple: to turn an underused and neglected lane into an inviting, well-designed public space. The goal is to bring the lane back into use in a way that feels safe, lively, and enjoyable, rather than something people avoid. It should be a place people want to walk through, linger in, and enjoy — a space that feels safe, active, and part of the wider community.

This initiative builds on the success of similar projects in other European cities, showing how thoughtful design and collaboration can transform neglected urban spaces into vibrant, safe, and welcoming areas. The benefits go far beyond improved appearance: more footfall, stronger community connection, and a natural reduction in antisocial behaviour as people reclaim and use the space.

For the Alliance, this project represents what can happen when residents, businesses, and public bodies pull in the same direction. It’s about working constructively, finding practical solutions, and creating a sense of shared ownership and pride in our area.

We’re hugely grateful for the support and openness shown by An Garda Síochána, Dublin City Council, our local TDs, and local Councillors, all of whom have recognised the value of this approach and are helping to make it happen.

There’s still work to do, but the momentum is real. The improvements already visible around Aston Quay and Temple Bar are proof that collaboration works — and that with continued partnership, these lanes can become places we’re all proud of.

For those interested in reading the full details, the complete proposal can be viewed here.