New late-night safe space initiative for Dublin City Centre

Dublin City Council, supported by the Department of Justice, has announced the official launch of a new late-night welfare initiative, Dublin Nights Help Zone.

This mobile safe space is designed to provide support to individuals who may need assistance during a night out in Dublin City Centre, whether they’re feeling unwell, overwhelmed, or simply in need of a calm and friendly place to regroup.

The Help Zone will operate as a clearly branded mobile unit stationed on busy Camden Street, running every Friday and Saturday night from 10:00 PM to 3:00 AM, starting 4 July 2025, for a 6 to 8-week pilot period.

Staffed by a dedicated welfare team — including a medic, welfare officer, two trained security personnel, and a site operator — the Help Zone offers non-judgmental, approachable support for anyone in need.

Ray O’Donoghue, Dublin’s Night-Time Economy Advisor, explains the fun and approachable nickname for the service: “While officially known as the Dublin Nights Help Zone, the service will also be affectionately referred to in public as ‘The Nee-Naw,’ chosen to make the service feel more approachable and easier to identify.

“It’s about making sure help is visible, stigma-free, and easy to access.”

Funded by the Department of Justice, this initiative reinforces a commitment to community-based safety and harm reduction in Ireland’s night-time economy.

The Dublin Nights Help Zone is part of the national Night-Time Economy Advisor Pilot Scheme, promoting innovative, people-centred approaches to creating safer, more inclusive cities after dark.

Cllr Racheal Batten, Chairperson of the Economic Development and Enterprise SPC, said: “This is about providing real, practical support in the heart of our city’s nightlife.

“The Dublin Nights Help Zone sends a strong message that we care about the safety, wellbeing, and dignity of everyone enjoying Dublin at night.”

Richard Shakespeare, Chief Executive of Dublin City Council, said: “The Dublin Nights Help Zone is a practical, people-focused initiative that supports our goal of making Dublin a  safer, more welcoming city at night.

“By providing real-time welfare support in a key nightlife area, this pilot demonstrates how cities can actively support vibrant night-time activity while prioritising public safety and well-being.”

Assistant Commissioner Paul Cleary, An Garda Síochána, Dublin Metropolitan Region, added: “An Garda Síochána is committed to making Dublin safer, and this includes our vibrant night-time scene.

“We welcome the Dublin Nights Help Zone initiative, which will provide a supportive space for people enjoying the city at night and offer essential welfare services to those in need.”