'Significant step' taken as Kilkenny Local Community Safety Partnership appoint Chairperson
The Kilkenny Local Community Safety Partnership replaces the Joint Policing Committee
The Kilkenny Local Community Safety Partnership (LCSP) was officially launched with the first meeting held at the Council Chamber, County Hall, Kilkenny earlier this week.
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.
The local authority will oversee the partnership and report to the National Office for Community Safety within the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration.
Cllr Pat Fitzpatrick was elected Chairperson, and Cllr David FitzGerald was elected Vice Chair at the meeting.
Cllr Fitzpatrick said he was "deeply honoured" to be elected to the role.
"I accept this role with optimism and a strong sense of responsibility to work together on community safety issues. Our goal is to design and implement projects in collaboration with local communities, statutory services, and the voluntary sector to make Kilkenny safer and more inclusive," he said.
"I'm committed to listening, engaging, and ensuring every perspective is valued. Together, we can build a community where safety is shared and partnership thrives and I look forward to the journey ahead.
Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration Jim O’Callaghan stated he was 'extremely pleased' that the Kilkenny Local Community Safety Partnership has been established.
"This marks another significant step on the rollout of these partnerships nationwide and this government’s new approach to community safety," the minister continued.
The next step for this Partnership is to develop and implement its own, tailored community safety plan. The National Office of Community Safety based in my department, will be on-hand to support the Partnership as it begins its important work.
For further information on the Kilkenny Local Community Safety Partnership, please visit www.kilkennycoco.ie/LCSP or email [email protected].