Jim O'Callaghan

Members have now been appointed to 34 safety partnerships and 31 have held their inaugural meetings at which they elected their chair and vice-chair.

The remaining LCSPs are expected to be established by the end of February.

The establishment of the safety partnerships is a cornerstone of the landmark Policing, Security and Community Safety Act 2024.

Addressing the first national meeting of LCSP chairs, coordinators and administrators held in the Department of Justice yesterday, justice, home affairs and migration minister Jim O’Callaghan encouraged members to use this opportunity to make a positive difference to safety in their community.

Mr 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.”

At a local level, community safety partnerships will play a major role in enhancing community safety nationwide in collaboration with An Garda Síochána, local residents, elected representatives, businesses, the community and voluntary sector, and State agencies.

A total of 36 safety partnerships is being established in each local authority area with up to 30 members in each.

The supporting infrastructure — the National Office for Community Safety, along with the respective chairs and the local community safety partnership staff team — will assist each safety partnership in taking a strategic approach to dealing with issues relating to community safety.

The National Office for Community Safety is leading on the development of the first national strategy for improving community safety. A public survey opened yesterday and will close on 27 February 2026. 

“Our national strategy will be an unprecedented, whole-of-government commitment to redefine and improve community safety across Ireland,” Mr O’Callaghan said.

“It will establish a foundational, responsive, and relevant policy framework that enables public service bodies and communities to work together in a coordinated manner to make communities safer.

“I encourage members of the public to fill out the survey and have their say on the issues that matter most to them in helping us to build safer communities.”