Temple Bar business pulls out of Culture Night bash

A popular business in Temple Bar is refusing to take part in Culture Night on Friday due to what it called the "continued rot and degradation" in Dublin, writes Ian Begley.

The Clockwork Door on Wellington Quay, which includes a social space, cafe and escape rooms, has participated in the annual event since its opening in 2016.

However, due to the increase in antisocial behaviour and crime, its owner Ciarán Hogan says it's "just not worth the risk".

He said the decision was not one he has taken lightly but that it was sparked by a theft on the premises. "Last year on Culture Night we had such a large footfall of people coming in," Hogan said.

"We have a games room with some high-end consoles but unfortunately one group decided they would look better in their own house than ours. We figured what was going on but they were fast enough to get down the stairs and out the door before we could to stop them. These things happen from time to time but due to the complete collapse of policing in Dublin city centre the likelihood of something like this happening again is too high."

Mr Hogan said he noticed an increased Garda presence in recent months following a number of high-profile incidents but that now "things seemed to have gotten back to the way they were".

He added that he's planning to close his business and relocate outside Dublin city when his lease runs out in two years.

"We love this building and how central it is but until the current trend in crime and antisocial behaviour turns around, I believe things are only going to get worse," he said.

"Straight after the American tourist [Stephen Termini] was attacked there was a police presence on nearly every street.

"It was the same when they had the big NFL game on last month, but the day after there was not a single guard to be seen.

"I want to make a big statement on this and put the pressure back onto [Justice Minister] Helen McEntee," he said. On social media yesterday evening, the Clockwork Door alerted its followers of its decision. "While we are a cultural hub in the Temple Bar area, due to rising antisocial behaviour and lawlessness in Dublin city centre we don't feel safe or confident that taking part in this event will be a net positive for us," it said.

"We are saddened to see the Dublin city that we all loved becoming a space that isn't trustworthy. We ask that policing co-ordinators step up with a long-term plan for more visibility and effective action to reverse the ongoing trend.

"Many other businesses have had thefts and dangerous incidents increase recently and it is, unfortunately, affecting all of our collective will to operate in the city."

A number of assaults on the streets of the capital have sparked widespread concern, including the assault on Mr Termini on Talbot Street.

This led to the US Embassy in Dublin advising its citizens travelling to Ireland to exercise "good personal security".

The Spanish embassy also warned about ongoing "street fights" and "organised crime" in Dublin and has urged tourists to remain vigilant.

Last month, Justice Minister Helen McEntee visited Talbot Street and the location where Mr Termini, 57, from Buffalo, New York, was beaten.

However, she insisted that Dublin city centre is a safe place to visit. "We live in a safe city here but there will always be problems and, of course, it is my intention that we address those problems head on," she said.

An additional €10m has been allocated to Dublin gardaí to help provide for more overtime for officers.