The inaugural meeting of the Galway City Local Community Safety Partnership (LCSP ) took place at the Radisson Red last week. Representatives from Galway City Council, An Garda Síochána, Tusla, community organisations, and local residents gathered to begin shaping a collaborative approach to community safety under the Policing, Security and Community Safety Act 2024.
Cllr. Níall McNelis was elected chairperson following a secret ballot and Tommy Flaherty was ratified as vice chairperson, having been the sole nominee.
Members agreed to include an equality statement in the Code of Conduct. The revised document will be finalised in collaboration with members and circulated within the week.
Members were asked to review the circulated Issues Paper and provide feedback. Permission was granted to begin the work of an Education, Youth, Business and Water Safety sub committees.
Chief Executive Leonard Cleary opened the meeting, emphasising that the LCSP represents “a new chapter in building a safer, more connected Galway through collaboration and evidence-based action.”
Cllr. Níall McNelis, in his election speech, stressed the need to “give a solution to a problem, not a problem to a problem,” highlighting the LCSP as a new style of policing distinct from the JPC.
Cllr Eibhlín Seoighthe outlined in her election speech that her vision is collaborative working, noting that as Galway grows and evolves, priorities such as road safety and business safety require strong cooperation to deliver an effective plan.
Supt Patrick O’Shea reported that increased Garda visibility has led to a significant reduction in shop thefts and serious assaults. He also highlighted initiatives such as the deployment of Gunner the Garda dog, enforcement actions on e?scooters, and community engagement through Neighbourhood Watch and road safety meetings.
The LCSP is part of a national framework designed to strengthen community safety through inclusive, evidence-based planning. The priorities identified are youth engagement, tackling domestic and gender-based violence, supporting marginalised communities, and improving urban safety which reflects pressing local needs. The partnership’s work will feed into the Galway City Community Safety Plan, ensuring statutory obligations are met while delivering tangible benefits for residents and businesses.
The LCSP will reconvene on 21 January to continue developing the Community Safety Plan.
Members will provide feedback on the Issues Paper, and further updates will be shared publicly to maintain transparency and encourage community involvement.
The Galway City Local Community Safety Partnership reaffirmed its commitment to collaboration, accountability, and building a safer city. The Council and its partners will continue to engage with stakeholders as this important initiative progresses.
