On Thursday, 5th February, the Chair of the Kilkenny Local Community Safety Partnership, Cllr. Pat Fitzpatrick, and Community Safety Coordinator Maria O’Shea met with the Minister for Justice, Jim O’Callaghan, as he addressed all local authorities at the first national meeting of Local Community Safety Partnerships.
The Minister confirmed that members have now been appointed to 34 Partnerships, with 31 having held their inaugural meetings and elected their Chairs and Vice Chairs.
This national gathering marked a key milestone in the development of Ireland’s new community‑centred approach to safety, bringing LCSP representatives together to strengthen collaboration and share learning.
Minister Jim O’Callaghan said: “Today marks a significant step in advancing the new Local Community Safety Partnership model, bringing together those who will lead its delivery and strengthen our approach to community safety.
The next step for each partnership is to develop and implement their own, tailored community safety plan. Bringing together local representatives, community groups and state agencies will allow each Safety Partnership to develop a plan that identifies meaningful actions in response to community safety needs in their own area.
I want to wish the Chairs and members of the Local Community Safety Partnerships the very best and thank them for being a part of this innovative new approach to community safety. Their willingness and commitment to working collaboratively as members will be the key to success of their respective partnerships.”
Public Participation Encouraged Through National Survey
As part of the National Strategy, led by the National Office for Community Safety, the National Community Safety Survey opened on 5th February 2026 and remains live until 27th February 2026.
The survey is a key opportunity for the public to express their views on what safety means to them and what issues most need to be addressed.
The Kilkenny LCSP strongly encourages those who live and work across the City and County to contribute their perspectives.
To make participation as simple as possible, a QR code linking directly to the National Community Safety Survey is included in this press release and has also been shared across Kilkenny County Council social media channels.
