The Nee Naw Returns for Autumn

Following a hugely successful summer pilot, Dublin Night’s Help Zone — known as “The Nee Naw” — returns to the city centre this Friday, September 12th, for a new autumn run. The service will operate for 6–8 weeks, supporting key events including Freshers’ Week, Culture Night, and Dublin’s first ever NFL weekend.

Based primarily on Camden Street, the Nee Naw will once again be staffed by a dedicated team of medics, a welfare officer, and trained security staff. Their role is to support people on their night out — whether through medical or first aid assistance, welfare support, general help such as directions, water or flip flops, or simply by offering visible reassurance in the city centre.

The summer pilot saw the Nee Naw engage with more than 500 people over 14 nights. Most interactions were light-touch — providing water, flip flops, or guidance — but the team was also on hand to deliver first aid, assist vulnerable individuals, and support Gardaí and other emergency services when required.

Welcoming the return of the New Naw Lord Mayor of Dublin Councillor Ray McAdam said, "Initiatives like the Nee Naw show how we can create a night-time city that is vibrant, welcoming, and above all safe. I commend everyone involved. from the frontline teams to the organisers, for helping make Dublin a city that looks after its people. As Lord Mayor of Dublin, I’m proud to see this service return and grow.”

Ray O’Donoghue, Dublin’s Night-Time Advisor, said, “The summer run showed the real value of this service. It has already started to embed itself into Dublin’s nightlife, making people feel safer while easing pressure on our emergency services. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive — from the public, businesses, Gardaí, and residents — and this next phase will allow us to build on that success.”

Endorsements from the summer pilot included 

Assistant Commissioner Paul Cleary (DMR):

“A valuable addition… supported Gardaí and vulnerable individuals. A visible, practical resource that creates a safer environment.”

The Mercantile Group:

“A fantastic initiative… providing care and reassurance to people enjoying the city at night.”

Camden Street Resident:

“Since the Nee Naw arrived, things have felt calmer and safer outside my home. A great addition for residents and visitors alike.”

The Nee Naw is funded by the Department of Justice and forms part of Dublin City Council’s Night-Time Economy strategy. The Night-Time Advisor role itself is part of a national pilot running until 2026, with the service continuing to be evaluated as a potential model for wider roll-out.

***See attached Image 1: The Nee Naw, Image 2: Community Enagement Garda, Katie Burke, Ray O’Donoghue, Dublin’s Night-Time Economy Advisor and Elaine McCann, Operations Manager, CWB Management at the Launch of the Nee Naw, credit Fennell Photography****

ENDS