Mayo Local Community Safety Partnership issues statement after its first meeting
The new Mayo Local Community Safety Partnership has issued a statement following its first meeting in Áras an Chontae, Castlebar, on February 3.
It outlined: "Local Community Safety Partnerships (LCSPs) replace the former Joint Policing Committees (JPCs) and are being established nationwide to enhance the role of local communities in identifying and resolving safety issues.
"Their purpose is to ensure that community voices are central to setting safety priorities, working in collaboration with a broad range of stakeholders including local councillors, An Garda Síochána, community and resident representatives, the business and education sectors, and statutory agencies such as the HSE, Tusla, and local authorities.
"This new partnership model is designed to promote greater community participation and empowerment, bringing all sectors together to improve feelings and experiences of safety across communities in Mayo.
"The LCSP will act as the primary forum for local safety matters.
"Its responsibilities include developing a Local Community Safety Plan every three years; leading the public consultation process; implementing, monitoring, and reviewing the plan; collaborating with relevant stakeholders; providing input into local policing plans; hosting public meeting(s); and reporting to the National Office for Community Safety.
"At the inaugural meeting, Councillor Michael Loftus was elected chairperson and Mr. Tony Healy, was elected vice-chair.
"The new LCSP also received a video message of support from Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, Jim O’Callaghan, who outlined the role and functions of the LCSP as well as wishing the Partnership well in its work.
"The establishment and operation of Local Community Safety Partnerships are guided by statutory regulations and by the national Guidance issued by the National Office for Community Safety. A total of 36 Partnerships are currently being developed and rolled out nationwide."
Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration Jim O’Callaghan said: “I am extremely pleased that the Mayo Local Community Safety Partnership has been established, and its first meeting has taken place.
"This marks another significant step on the roll-out of these partnerships nationwide and this government’s new approach to community safety.”
“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.
“I’d like to thank everyone involved in Mayo LCSP for being part of this significant new chapter in community safety. I look forward to following their progress.”
The partnership’s ongoing role will be to identify emerging local issues and contribute to the development of the National Strategy for Improving Community Safety.
Once this national strategy is approved by government, it will inform the creation of the Mayo Local Community Safety Action Plan.
When adopted by the partnership, this plan will set out a series of prioritised actions to be delivered over the partnership’s three‑year term.
Upon his election as chair during the meeting, Councillor Michael Loftus expressed sincere appreciation to all members for their dedication to the partnership, noting that their involvement and commitment are entirely voluntary and deeply valued.
He emphasised that the establishment of this partnership represents an important opportunity to strengthen community safety in a meaningful, collaborative and forward‑looking way.
While acknowledging that significant work lies ahead, the chair stated his confidence that through shared commitment, cooperation and collective action, the partnership will deliver real and positive progress for the people of Mayo.