Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 October 2025
574. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration for an update on the Programme for Government commitment to examine with An Garda Síochána the establishment of a safe public places unit which will advise local authorities and planning authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56653/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is committed to the principle that everyone, wherever they live in Ireland, should be safe. All people should also feel safe as they live or work in our communities. Building safe and secure communities across the country by investing in An Garda Síochána is a top priority for this Government. Several actions are contained in the Programme for Government to reduce instances of anti-social behaviour and help to ensure that people feel safe in their local communities.
Part 3 of the Policing, Security and Community Safety (PSCS) Act 2024 introduces a new, integrated approach to community safety in Ireland through the establishment of national and local infrastructure. Specifically, the Act provides for the establishment of Local Community Safety Partnerships in each local authority area across the country and has established a National Office for Community Safety.
LCSPs are currently being rolled out in 36 local authority areas throughout Ireland. Appointments have been made to eight Safety Partnerships and further members will be appointed in October and November with a view to establishing all Safety Partnerships by the end of the year. Safety Partnerships replace and build upon the good work previously undertaken by Joint Policing Committees (JPCs) and will bring together a broader range of relevant stakeholders to address community safety issues in their area. Local Community Safety Partnerships will have a maximum of 30 members and membership will include local councillors; An Garda Síochána; HSE; Tusla; local authority executive; business; education; local residents and community representatives, including representatives of youth, new communities, and the voluntary sector.
There are 62 Community Engagement Garda Superintendents nominated to participate on LCSPs. The Safety Partnerships will work together to address issues as they occur within their own areas, which will encourage greater community participation and empowerment. It is envisaged that these LCSPs will together, assess, address and report on the topic of safe public places.
The Garda Commissioner is, by law, responsible for the management of An Garda Síochána, including the distribution of Garda resources and the establishment of any Garda units. While all members of An Garda Síochána promote crime prevention and reduction, Crime Prevention Officers (CPOs) are specifically trained to carry out the role. CPOs encourage, promote, guide and advise on crime prevention to both the private and business community.
One of the responsibilities of a CPO is to promote the principles of Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED), this involves liaising with Local Authorities, architects and others involved in the planning stage of building projects to allow the inclusion of security and crime prevention recommendations at an early stage. In addition, CPOs work alongside local authorities to incorporate crime prevention measures into existing developments and public spaces, amongst other projects.
In addition the Government is also taking a number of ongoing actions to ensure safer communities and public spaces, including:
• Getting more Gardaí on our streets through increased recruitment;
• The deployment of body-worn cameras for Gardaí in Dublin City Centre, Waterford, and Limerick in 2024, with nationwide roll-out to follow;
• Continued expansion of youth justice and youth diversion measures;
• Plans to ban face coverings at protests
• New laws introduced last year which criminalise the grooming of children into a life of crime.
• Progressing legislation to combat anti-social behaviour, including enhancing the use of Anti-Social Behaviour Warnings (ASBWs) and Anti-Social Behaviour Orders (ASBOs).
