Dublin ban on lockboxes in public spaces

Dublin City Council is taking decisive action to remove and destroy lockboxes from public spaces starting 14th April. These lockboxes, often found chained to bike stands, poles, and street signs, have become increasingly common across the city.

However, their presence is causing a range of issues, including:

Obstructed footpaths – Block pedestrian pathways, making navigation difficult.
Trip hazards – Poorly placed lockboxes increase the risk of accidents.
Public health concerns – Neglected lockboxes accumulate dirt and contamination over time.

Also the Council highlights that these lockboxes were installed without permission, which could lead to legal issues if accidents or injuries happen in public spaces. As a result, they are taking strong and decisive action to remove them and ensure public safety.

(This action, approved on 3rd March 2025 under the Roads Act)

Rationale behind the ban

The proliferation of lock boxes in Dublin has raised several concerns:

Unauthorised use of public infrastructure: Attaching private devices to public property without consent constitutes unauthorised privatisation of communal spaces.
Safety and accessibility: Lock boxes can obstruct footpaths, creating hazards for pedestrians, especially those with mobility impairments.
Aesthetic impact: Clusters of lock boxes can detract from the visual appeal of public areas.

Enforcement measures

To implement the new regulations, Dublin City Council has outlined the following enforcement strategy:

Removal and destruction: From April 14, 2025, lock boxes in public spaces will be removed and destroyed.
Platform notifications: The Council will inform short-term rental platforms like Airbnb and Booking.com, asking them to notify their clients accordingly.
Public awareness: A comunication campaign has been launched informing the public about the new policy under the Roads Act regarding lock box removal.

Affected parties

The ban primarily impacts individuals and organisations utilising lock boxes for key exchanges, including:

Short-term rental hosts rely on lock boxes to provide guests with flexible property access.
Property management companies: Firms that use lock boxes for tenant or maintenance access.
Real estate agents: Professionals facilitating property viewings and inspections.
Construction companies: Entities managing on-site access for workers and equipment.

Concerns and alternatives

The policy applies only to lockboxes in public spaces, leaving those on private property unaffected.

This decision particularly affects short-term rental hosts, Airbnb operators, and property managers who rely on lockboxes for key exchanges.

With 4,500 active listings as of January 2025 - and 25% of them using lockboxes - an estimated 1,120 lockboxes are currently on the streets. This decision has significant implications for many in the short-term rental industry.

Many argue that removing them without a viable alternative will create serious disruptions, especially for those managing multiple properties or operating remotely.

Without a clear key management solution in place, there are growing concerns that this change could force key handovers back to less secure or impractical methods, such as leaving keys under doormats or requiring in-person exchanges at inconvenient hours.

However, there are other alternatives. In cities like Paris and Melbourne, where similar bans are already in place, hosts and property managers have turned to KeyNest as the leading alternative. With a vast network of secure key exchange locations, KeyNest provides a seamless solution.

All you need to do is request a KeyNest Point at the click of a button, and we will open it in less than 2 weeks, ensuring a smooth transition without disruption.

Why choose KeyNest?

As these restrictions take effect, short-term rental owners must find compliant alternatives. KeyNest offers a simple, reliable solution: a network of secure key exchange points in thousands of partner stores.

Key benefits of KeyNest:

✔ Security: KeyNest stores keys securely in local businesses, ensuring access to authorised individuals.

✔ Convenience: With 7,000+ KeyNest Points worldwide, key drop-off and pick-up are seamless, with locations open during business hours for maximum flexibility.

✔ Tracking & Transparency: Instant notifications tell when and by whom a key is collected, providing peace of mind and full accountability.

✔ Affordable Pricing: From just €5.95 per use, KeyNest is far cheaper than couriers or emergency locksmith services.

✔ Flexibility: Whether for one day, a week, or years, KeyNest offers solutions for all durations. It also allows for reusable access codes, which are ideal for cleaners, maintenance staff, and regular visitors.

About Us

KeyNest offers a convenient service for storing and exchanging your property keys. You can drop off a key at any of the 7,000+ locations in our network, so there’s always a Point next to your property.

Guests, cleaners, or contractors can securely collect the key from a KeyNest Point or KeyNest Locker, usually open 24/7. You'll be notified each time the key is picked up or returned, and you can even customise check-in and check-out times. By leveraging technology and a global network of locations, KeyNest continues to redefine property management, offering solutions tailored to meet the evolving needs of the rental market.

KeyNest has an ever-expanding global network of locations just minutes from your property.

If there isn’t a KeyNest Point near you, click here to contact us, and we’ll open one in under 2 weeks.

Conclusion

Dublin joins other European cities, such as Paris, Florence, Barcelona, and Berlin, in regulating the use of lockboxes in public spaces to address safety, accessibility, and public health concerns.

While this presents challenges for short-term rental hosts and property managers, a proven alternative is already in place. KeyNest provides a secure, regulation-compliant key exchange solution with a vast network of locations.

To continue operations without disruption, request a KeyNest Point at the click of a button, and we’ll open it in less than 2 weeks.

Q&A

For more information, click here.
Very high, especially in high-traffic areas.
Yes, regular inspections are carried out by the council.
Your lockbox will be destroyed, and you will lose your key.
KeyNest Lockers and KeyNest Points are the best alternatives.
Request KyeNest point with click of button here

Dublin Ban of Lockboxes in Public Spaces