Night-time welfare area to be set up on Dublin's College Green next week

Eva Osborne

A welfare area will be set up on Dublin's College Green for three nights next week aimed at giving people on a night out a place to go for assistance.

It will be available on Foster Place between 11pm and 4am on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday next week.

Dublin’s night-time economy advisor, Ray O'Donoghue, said the initiative aims to take pressure off gardaí and hospitals to deal with more serious issues.

"It's very much an in between, you want to take pressure off the emergency services, and you don't need to go to gardaí, you don't need to go to A&E," he said.

"This is a space that will be smack bang in the city centre to help you if you've gotten yourself into a little bit of bother."

Whether you’ve had one too many Christmas drinks or need first aid, the welfare area will be available to offer immediate assistance.

With trained medics and security staff on hand, the area will serve as a safe space for anyone in need of help, Dublin City Council said.

This initiative, piloted by the council and supported by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, aims to ensure the safety and wellbeing of people enjoying the festive season.

“The pilot of the welfare area is a vital part of our efforts to create a safer, more enjoyable night-time experience in Dublin," O'Donoghue said.

"As the city becomes a hub of festive activity, it’s essential that we provide patrons with a secure space to seek support. This initiative reflects our commitment to the safety and enjoyment of both citizens and visitors.”