Turnover of security companies exceeds €1 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.

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.” 

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. Before employing someone to provide a security service for you, check the registers on the website of the PSA.

“I would like to thank Chairperson Jillian van Turnhout, recently retired Chief Executive Paul Scallan, and the staff of the PSA for their tireless work in ensuring the highest standards across the industry,” said John Phelan.

The PSA’s Strategic Plan 2023–2025 was launched in January 2023, setting out five goals:

Goal 1: Regulating the Private Security Industry.

Goal 2: Ensuring compliance by tackling unlicensed activity.

Goal 3: Enhance the provision of security services through the use of standards and qualifications.

Goal 4: Look at ways our industry can benefit society.

Goal 5: Deliver the supports necessary to develop our staff and enhance our organisation.

The Annual Report 2023 outlines the steps taken by the PSA towards the realisation of these goals.

2023 in numbers:

  • 16,579 applications processed.
  • 1,344 unannounced inspections on business premises.
  • 932 enforcement cases opened (7% more than 2022).
  • 2 successful prosecutions concluded.
  • 10 contractor and 19 individual licences revoked.
  • 3 contractor and 21 individual licences temporarily suspended.
  • 31 enforcement notices issued to licence holders.
  • 35,700 individuals held employee licences at year end – the highest number since licensing began.
  • 592 intelligence reports received (27.59% more than 2022).
  • 1,662 contractor sectoral licences (a contractor may have licences for more than one sector) issued in 2023, including:
    • 988 (59.44%) for the electronic security sector
    • 206 (12.39%) for the locksmith sector
    • 178 (10.71%) for the security guard sector
  • €1,545,338 received in contractor licence fees in 2023 (€1,446,986 in 2022 and €1,583,980 in 2021 – the comparable year in the 2-year licence cycle).
  • €1,749,759 received in individual licence fees in 2023 (€1,996,518 in 2022 and €1,393,338 in 2020 – the comparable year in the 3-year licence cycle).