Throughout 2025, the PSA conducted the highest number of unannounced inspections of licensed business premises in its history, alongside record levels of contractor inspections, enforcement cases and licence revocations, demonstrating its commitment to protecting the public and maintaining confidence in the industry.

The report details how in 2025 the following interventions were made:

• 2,237 unannounced inspections on business premises (35 per cent up on 2024)
• 1,033 enforcement cases opened (28 per cent up on 2024)
• 177 contractor inspections (23 per cent up on 2024)
• 6 contractor and 243 individual licences revoked
• 1 successful prosecution concluded.

This significant increase in compliance activity reflects the PSA’s proactive, intelligence-led approach to regulation. Unannounced inspections of contractors and business premises play a vital role in ensuring that licence holders continue to meet the high standards expected of the industry, while robust enforcement action is taken where serious or persistent non-compliance is identified. These activities help safeguard consumers, support compliant businesses, and reinforce the integrity of the licensing system.

Commenting on the Report, John Phelan, Chief Executive of the Private Security Authority, stated: “Before the establishment of the PSA, the security sector operated without statutory oversight or mandatory licensing. Just about anyone could establish a security firm or work independently, with no formal training requirements, legal standards, or vetting mechanisms to verify that personnel were fit and proper to protect the public.”

As the sector continues to grow, the PSA remains focused on effective regulation, strong governance and working with industry to promote high standards of compliance in the years ahead.

John Phelan, chief executive, said: “This year marks 20 years since the introduction of licensing in Ireland’s private security industry, a significant milestone in the development of a more professional, accountable and trusted sector. 2025 was another busy year for the PSA, during which we received our highest ever number of applications and issued our greatest number of licences.”

Mr Phelan added: “Compliance activity remains at the heart of the Private Security Authority’s regulatory role. Proactive compliance measures not only identify and address instances of non-compliance, but also promote a culture of accountability, support fair competition and provide reassurance to the public that private security services are delivered by licensed and compliant operators.”

Speaking about the report, justice minister Jim O’Callaghan, stated: “I want to thank CEO John Phelan and the staff of The Private Security Authority for their excellent work in 2025 and for their commitment to high standards.

“The Private Security Authority plays a vital role in protecting the public through the effective regulation of the industry, promoting high professional standards, raising awareness of regulatory requirements and taking proportionate enforcement action to ensure compliance.  I also want to commend Chairperson Jillian van Turnhout and the entire Board of PSA for their strong leadership in 2025.”