New Local Community Safety Partnerships to be rolled out nationwide

The government has introduced a new Local Community Safety Partnerships to replace the Joint Policing Committees.

The Joint Policing Committees were forums established to foster consultation and cooperation between An Garda Síochána, local authorities, elected representatives, and the community.

The Local Community Safety Partnerships, which came into effect on Monday, looks to follow on in the same role as the JPC.

Each local authority will establish local community partnerships to play a key role in enhancing community safety across the country, while collaborating with An Garda Síochána, local residents, state agencies and local businesses.

Barry Kehoe, Chief Executive at Westmeath County Council, said: “The Joint Policing Committees established in local authorities have proven to be valuable mechanisms for fostering collaboration between An Garda Síochána and local government in addressing community safety concerns.

“Through regular dialogue and shared planning, JPCs have enhanced transparency in policing operations, improved community engagement, and created channels for residents to voice their concerns and contribute to local safety initiatives.

“We welcome the evolution toward Community Safety Partnerships and the expanded inclusion of critical agencies such as the Health Service Executive and Tusla, the Child and Family Agency.”

Mr Kehoe continued: “This enhanced framework recognises that community safety extends far beyond traditional policing to encompass mental health supports, addiction services, family welfare, and broader social determinants that impact on community wellbeing.

“Local government is uniquely positioned to lead this coordinated effort, and these partnerships will enable us to deliver more effective, prevention-focused interventions that build safer, more resilient communities for all our citizens.”

TD for Longford/Westmeath, Robert Troy, expressed his delight for the newly formed partnerships, saying: “Local Community Safety Partnerships reflect a significant step towards a much more collaborative, responsive, and locally driven approach to community safety.

“We have all seen instances across our communities locally which have been of concern to the general public in terms of safety.

“I strongly believe that greater collaboration between the various agencies can help to deal with these instances in a more efficient manner, and in some cases prevent these issues from taking place at all.

“We need the structures in place at a local level so longer-term solutions that are not focused solely on policing can be put in place. Public lighting, waste collection, public spaces, and the location of services can all contribute to feelings of safety in our towns.”