Minister meets with Kilkenny Community Safety Partnership
Chair of the Kilkenny Local Community Safety Partnership, Cllr. Pat Fitzpatrick, and Community Safety Coordinator Maria O’Shea recently met with the Minister for Justice, Jim O’Callaghan, as he addressed all local authorities at the first national meeting of Local Community Safety Partnerships.
The Minister confirmed that members have now been appointed to 34 Partnerships, with 31 having held their inaugural meetings and elected their Chairs and Vice Chairs.
This national gathering marked a key milestone in the development of Ireland’s new community‑centred approach to safety, bringing LCSP representatives together to strengthen collaboration and share learning.
Minister Jim 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.”
The new partnership will expand on the previous joint policing committee to include wider community, voluntary, and statutory involvement, all working together to improve safety across the county.