I am sorry to hear that this accommodation business has had to close. The property's website attributes this decision to high property prices affecting the owners’ plans to expand the business. I understand from contact with the Deputy's office that she believes that litter and anti-social behaviour were also factors in the decision.
In relation to anti-social behaviour, although this is primarily a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Justice and Equality, I am conscious of the negative impacts that such matters can have on holidaymakers’ experience and have previously raised my concerns with those responsible. Dealing with this behaviour involves issues such as drug dependency, homelessness and begging. It requires a coordinated approach from state agencies involved in social, housing, health and drug treatment services, as well as through partnership with business, community and voluntary groups. In this regard, I understand that a High Level Group has been established, involving Dublin City Council, An Garda Síochána, the Dublin Region Homeless Executive and the HSE, to support efforts to enhance public safety and the overall environment of the city centre.
In relation to improving the overall tourist experience in Dublin, following the report of the Grow Dublin Taskforce, which inter alia noted the potential impact of anti-social behaviour on tourists, I recently established the Grow Dublin Tourism Alliance to implement the report's recommendations. The Group, which is being set up under Fáilte Ireland, will be led by the Chairman of Bord Bia, Michael Carey.
Thankfully, Ireland remains a very safe holiday destination generally with a relatively low rate of crime against tourists. Research has shown that the vast majority of overseas visitors are happy to recommend Ireland as a holiday destination to others.
