Meath launches new inter-agency approach to boost community safety in the Royal County
A new inter-agency approach to identifying and addressing community safety issues in Meath has been launched following the inaugural meeting of the Meath Local Community Safety Partnership (LCSP).
The new partnership is a collaboration between Meath County Council, local councillors, An Garda Síochána, community representatives, business and education representatives, and statutory agencies including Tusla and the HSE.
The objective of the LCSP is said to “bring the relevant bodies together with communities in a collaborative manner”, by focusing on concerns identified and prioritised by local people.
Each local partnership will be required to develop and implement its own “tailored community safety plan”, adopting a strategic approach to tackling issues through collaboration between service providers and communities.
Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration Jim O’Callaghan said: “I am extremely pleased that the Meath Local Community Safety Partnership has been established, and its first meeting has taken place.”
“This marks another significant step on the rollout of these partnerships nationwide and this government’s new approach to community safety."
Chief Executive of Meath County Council Kieran Kehoe said: "The wonderfully collaborative approach of the LCSP in addition to prioritising the voices of local people will undoubtedly ensure a more strategic and effective tackling of community safety issues in the future."
At the inaugural meeting which took place at the Thrive Centre of Business Excellence in Navan last week, community representatives Ciaran Flynn and Mary Weir were elected as the partnership’s first chairperson and vice-chairperson respectively.
Commenting on his appointment, Mr Flynn said: "My ambition is to build a strong, consensus-driven Partnership that listens to people in every part of Meath and turns that into practical action.”
“By drawing on the strengths of our local communities, Meath County Council, and our statutory services, I want this Partnership to help make the Royal County a safer, community-focused place to live, work, and raise a family.”