Seven months after Dublin City Council voted to close Harbour Court, a laneway plagued by drug use, litter, and antisocial behavior, the area remains open. Located near O’Connell Street with entrances on Marlborough Street, Eden Quay, and near Wynn’s Hotel, the laneway has been a hotspot for daily drug activity, assaults, and unsafe conditions.

A Persistent Problem

Despite the council’s January decision to close Harbour Court, the laneway is still accessible due to delays in installing gates. The area, primarily used for building maintenance, bin storage, and as an entrance to Wynn’s Hotel, continues to be littered with drug paraphernalia, rubbish, and human waste. Businesses in the area have reported ongoing issues, including having to call emergency services for overdoses and assaults.

Business and Public Safety Concerns

Local businesses have voiced their frustration, describing the laneway as a hazardous and unsanitary environment. Wynn’s Hotel highlighted the challenges faced by guests, particularly those with disabilities, who must navigate through the unsafe and filthy laneway to access the hotel. The delay in implementing the closure has raised concerns about the council’s ability to address public safety and maintain order in Dublin’s city center.

A Call for Action

The prolonged delay in closing Harbour Court raises critical questions about the effectiveness of local governance in addressing public safety issues. As the community waits for action, the situation at Harbour Court serves as a stark reminder of the challenges cities face in managing urban decay and ensuring safe environments for residents and visitors alike.

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