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Private security industry worth over one billion

Figures published by the Private Security Authority show that turnover of the 1,394 private security businesses it regulates rose by 4% in 2023, reaching a record high of €1,006,596,000.

In addition, 35,700 individuals held official security licences at the end of last year; the highest number since licensing began.

Enforcement

In its Annual Report 2023, the Private Security Authority also reports that it opened 932 enforcement cases (a 7% increase on 2022) and revoked the licences of 10 contractors and 19 individuals.

“The private security industry has recovered well from the difficult days during the pandemic,” said John Phelan, chief executive of the Private Security Authority. 

“The Private Security Authority is playing its part in protecting the public by regulating the private security industry through raising standards, increasing awareness and enforcing compliance,” he added.

Last year, the PSA made unannounced visits to over 1,300 business premises to carry out inspections.

Anyone providing security services must have a licence. 

Businesses or members of the public should never use an unlicensed provider, the PSA said, and registers can be checked on its website.

The PSA's Strategic Plan-2023-2025 was launched in January 2023, setting out five registration and compliance goals.

2023 in numbers

• 16,579 applications processed,
• 1,344 unannounced inspections on business premises,
• 932 enforcement cases opened (up 7%),
• Two successful prosecutions concluded,
• Ten contractor and 19 individual licences revoked,
• Three contractor and 21 individual licences temporarily suspended,
• 31 enforcement notices issued to licence holders.