I was delighted to meet with Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan TD in Kilkenny, where I welcomed his important announcement regarding the introduction of new regulations to establish Local Community Safety Partnerships (LCSPs) in every local authority area across Ireland. These partnerships represent a significant step forward in how we approach community safety, replacing the existing Joint Policing Committees with a more collaborative, community-led model.
A total of 36 LCSPs will be set up, each comprising up to 30 members. These will include mandatory representation from local councillors, local authority officials, An Garda Síochána, the HSE, and Tusla. Crucially, there will also be strong involvement from local residents, young people, older people, minority groups, and representatives from the business and education sectors. This inclusive structure will ensure that a wide range of voices and experiences inform decisions around local safety priorities.
Each LCSP will be tasked with developing and implementing a tailored community safety plan that reflects the specific needs and challenges of its area. This is a vital move toward ensuring more responsive, coordinated, and effective safety strategies, grounded in local knowledge and community involvement.
I believe this initiative will significantly enhance the quality of life for people across the country by fostering stronger partnerships, building trust, and empowering communities to play a central role in shaping safer environments for everyone. I look forward to seeing the positive and lasting impact these partnerships will have nationwide.
