Galway City Council has welcomed the announcement by Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, Jim O’Callaghan, of the newly appointed members of the Galway City Local Community Safety Partnership (LCSP). This new initiative replaces the Joint Policing Committee and brings together residents, community groups, public services, and elected representatives to work collaboratively on local safety issues.
The LCSP is designed to reflect the diversity of Galway’s communities, with members representing youth, new communities, the voluntary sector, education, business, and statutory services including An Garda Síochána, the HSE, Tusla, and Galway City Council. Their role is to identify safety concerns and develop a Local Community Safety Plan that responds to the needs of the city through public consultation and joint action.
Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration Jim O’Callaghan said,
“I am extremely pleased that the Galway City Local Community Safety Partnership has been established, and its first meeting is due to take place. This marks another significant step on the rollout 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.”
“Bringing together local representatives, community groups and state agencies allows Galway City Local Community Safety Partnership to develop a plan that identifies community safety needs in their own area. My Department has been successfully piloting this model for a number of years in three locations. I would encourage each new partnership to build on the excellent work done by these pilot partnerships who have each published their own community safety plan.”
“I’d like to thank everyone involved in Galway City LCSP for being part of this significant new chapter in community safety. I look forward to following their progress.”
Mayor of the City of Galway, Cllr Mike Cubbard, said:
“I am delighted to see this new structure in place. It brings everyone together, state services and the community, to build on the work of the previous Joint Policing Committee. It is a more inclusive and effective way to set priorities and make decisions.”
Leonard Cleary, Chief Executive of Galway City Council, added:
“Community safety means people feeling safe where they live. It is not just about policing, it is about health, social services, and community support working together. This new Partnership allows us to listen to the community and act on their concerns. I would like to extend a warm welcome to all newly appointed members of the Galway City LCSP and wish them every success in the important work ahead as we strive together to make Galway a safer and more inclusive city for all.”
The Partnership will hold its first meeting on 30 October 2025, where members will elect a Chairperson and Vice Chairperson. They will work closely with Community Safety Coordinator Kelly Slattery, who recently joined Galway City Council, to lead the Partnership to develop and implement a tailored Local Community Safety Plan.
The Galway City LCSP will hold meetings at least once per quarter, with an additional one closed and one open meeting per year, marking a new chapter in how Galway City addresses community safety at a local level.
Image Caption:
Councillor Níall Mc Nelis, the recently announced Ministerial Nominee member of the Galway City Local Community Safety Partnership and Kelly Slattery, Community Safety Coordinator. Photo: Cormac Mac Mahon, Galway City Council