‘An Enabling Framework for Community Safety - National Strategy for Improving Community Safety 2026-2030’ recognises that community safety is about much more than preventing crime and is shaped by a wide range of social, economic and environmental factors.

The National Strategy was developed by the National Office for Community Safety following public consultation of over 8,000 people. It is built around a shared goal of government, public service bodies and communities working together to create safer and more resilient communities.

Underpinned by five core principles and five key enablers, the strategy provides a plan for coordinated action to support community safety at local and national level.

Mr O’Callaghan said:“The launch of this strategy marks a significant milestone in how we approach community safety in Ireland.

“Community safety encompasses wellbeing, inclusion, belonging, resilience and trust. It recognises that people feel safe when they are connected to their community, when services work together effectively, and when they have confidence that their concerns will be heard and addressed.

“We have moved beyond seeing safety solely as a policing and justice matter and now recognise that it is shaped by a wide range of social, economic and environmental factors that require tailored and specific solutions.

“We now have a shared vision and strategy to improving community safety across Ireland which I am pleased to say is supported by my colleagues across government.”

The framework set out in the National Strategy further supports the new community safety infrastructure recently established under the Policing, Security and Community Safety Act 2024.

This includes 36 Local Community Safety Partnerships now established nationwide, translating national priorities into coordinated local action and ensuring communities are at the heart of improving community safety nationwide.

The National Strategy was informed by extensive consultation carried out by the National Office for Community Safety with communities, stakeholders, public services and government departments.

Speaking at the launch, director of the National Office for Community Safety, Gráinne Berrill, said: “Community safety is strongest when it is shaped by local knowledge, local partnership and the active participation of communities themselves.

“The launch of the National Strategy today provides us with the framework to support government, public services, civil society and communities themselves to come together at both local and national level to develop practical solutions to community safety issues.”

Implementation of the strategy will be guided by annual work programmes and supported by ongoing engagement across government, public sector bodies, civil society organisations and communities.