'It beggars belief': Concern and bafflement over major change to Kilkenny policing committee

Kilkenny Local Community Safety Partnership (LCSP) will replace the longstanding JPC

Local councillors have expressed concern and their sincere reservations over the formation of the newly established Kilkenny Local Community Safety Partnership (LCSP) which came into effect in April, replacing the Joint Policing Committee (JPC).

The JPC served as a platform for consultation, discussion, and collaboration between local councillors, An Garda Síochána, and community representatives on matters related to policing. Government have now implemented the transition to the LCSP in a hope that it will promote inter-agency collaboration and inclusive community engagement at local level across the country.

The newly-formed committee will meet a minimum of four times a year and will be responsible for preparing a Local Community Safety Plan for the area.

At April’s plenary meeting of Kilkenny County Council, elected representatives voiced their unease over uncertainty surrounding the new body’s functions and how it will be an improvement on its precursor.

The LCSP is set to have a broader membership than the JPC, with 20 members specified by regulation. These roles include; community representatives, members of An Garda Síochana and eight elected local representatives. The latter a particular point of dissatisfaction for councillors.

Cllr Mary Hilda Cavanagh heavily criticised the move stating, ‘it beggars belief’, adding, “when something is working, leave it alone.”

Former Chairperson of the JPC, Cllr Pat Fitzpatrick argued the committee needed to be ‘given a chance’ but noted the rank of the personnel will be key in order to answer questions effectively and take relevant action. “There’s no point in dragging in a foot soldier,” he said.

Cllr Andrew McGuinness, commented: “The whole thing is watering us down.”

Meanwhile, Cllr Sean Ó hArgain of Labour argued most people in local government are ‘baffled’ by the changes, adding, “the role of councillors is being continually reduced and diminished.”