Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 14 May 2026
59. Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration when the local community safety plan for County Kildare is expected to be developed and adopted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35670/26]
View answerThe Policing, Security and Community Safety Act 2024, which I commenced in April 2025, provides for the establishment of 36 Local Community Safety Partnerships within each local authority area.
Under section 116 of the Act, Safety Partnerships, once established, are independent, community-led bodies mandated to design tailored safety plans based on local priorities.
They make their own decisions as to their day-to-day activity, operating in accordance with Statutory Regulations and having regard to Guidance from the National Office for Community Safety. Queries relating to their work should be directed to the relevant Safety Partnership.
35 Local Community Safety Partnerships are fully established and have held their inaugural meeting and elected their Chair and vice-chair.
The inaugural meeting of Kildare Local Community Safety Partnership was held on 13 March 2026 at which they elected their Chair, Cllr Angela Feeney, and Vice Chair, Mr Mario Obijiaku.
The National Office for Community Safety, an Office of my Department, has responsibility for providing training, guidance and support to Safety Partnerships. Along with regular information sessions held with coordinators and administrators, the National Office has issued a comprehensive guidance document for the establishment and operation of Safety Partnerships to Chief Executives of local authorities and their staff. The National Office have also produced a Guide for Developing, Delivering and Reviewing a Local Community Safety Plan which has been shared with Safety Partnership Chairs and staff.
