Capital gains: Dublin moves up rankings of world’s best cities

DUBLIN has moved up the rankings of the world’s most desirable cities to live in, despite having the highest prices and least affordable housing.

A survey by consultants Mercer Human Resources found that for personal safety and the overall quality of life, Dublin is becoming more attractive.

The findings will come as a shock to many in the capital given reports of overcrowded accident and emergency departments, traffic chaos and soaring house prices.

“This improved ranking can be attributed to enhancements in the transport infrastructure, most noticeably for Dublin, the LUAS,” said Brian Duncan, head of Mercer’s human capital practice in Ireland.

The report also attributed Dublin’s improving status to lower crime rates.

The findings were based on an analysis of 39 “quality of life” issues, including political, social, economic and environmental factors, personal safety and health, education, transport and other public services. The survey also measured levels of air pollution, quality and quantity of drinking water and sewage.

Out of 215 cities surveyed, Dublin was ranked ahead of London, Paris, Madrid, Rome and Lisbon as the eighth best city in Europe. Last year, it was ranked sixth in Europe.

Madrid has fallen down the rankings because of the threat of further terrorist attacks and London’s position has also dropped over terrorist fears and an increasing petty crime rate.

The survey said that worldwide, Dublin has moved up one place, and is now the 22nd best city to live in, with a better standard of living than New York, Boston, Montreal, Tokyo and Adelaide.

“The top-ranking cities for personal safety and security are in politically stable countries with good international relations and sustainable economic growth. Most of the low-scoring cities are in countries with civil unrest and high levels of crime,” the report said.

The Swiss cities of Zurich, Bern and Geneva are the best cities for quality of life, while Luxembourg is the world’s safest.

Unsurprisingly, Baghdad retained its position as the world’s least secure city.

The survey says Abidjan in the Ivory Coast and Lagos in Nigeria are among the most dangerous.