The statutory meeting of the Galway City Community Safety Partnership took place on Wednesday 21 January in the offices of Galway Chamber, attended by members from Galway City Council, An Garda Síochána, the HSE, Tusla, community organisations, and local residents. Members met to progress key actions relating to community safety, prevention initiatives, and upcoming statutory planning requirements. The meeting addressed scheduling, updates on ongoing work, and a series of presentations focused on the nighttime economy and drug‑related intimidation.
Key decisions and actions
- New member: The Chair, Cllr Níall McNelis welcomed Supt. Finbarr Philpott to the Galway City LCSP, replacing Supt. Patrick O’Shea.
- Minutes confirmed: The minutes of the previous meeting were formally approved.
- Schedule of meetings agreed: Members approved the 2026 meeting dates: 8 April, 8 July, 18 September, 14 October, and 9 December.
- Oireachtas engagement noted: An update was issued to Oireachtas members, and details for the closed meeting on 18 September will be circulated.
Stakeholder Input
Galway City Council – Nighttime Economy
Kate Howard, Galway City Council Nighttime Economy Advisor, delivered a comprehensive overview of initiatives undertaken in Galway City, as part of the Nighttime Economy Pilot Programme over, the past two years. Members engaged in a wide‑ranging discussion on topics including an audit of city signage, the use of leaflets for emergency information, the development of community notice boards, late‑night bus services, a wayfinding plan, and upcoming awareness and prevention campaigns.
A member noted, “Clear information and visibility are essential for safety at night, these initiatives will make a real difference.”
Western Regional Drug and Alcohol Task Force (WRDATF) – Drug‑Related Intimidation
Maria Powers, Family Support Worker WRDATF and Detective Inspector Brendan Carroll, An Garda Síochána, outlined the supports available to individuals and families experiencing drug‑related intimidation. The Drive Project was highlighted, which provides practical guidance and resources for victims. Discussion centred on shifting towards prevention‑focused approaches and strengthening existing campaigns.
One member reflected, “Prevention must be at the heart of our response, not just reacting when harm has already occurred.”
Context and implications
The presentations underscored the growing emphasis on early intervention, public awareness, and collaborative safety planning across Galway City. Initiatives such as nighttime safety improvements, prevention models, and supports for victims of intimidation align with national priorities and statutory obligations under the Community Safety Framework. The discussions also highlighted the importance of raising awareness of the societal impacts of recreational drug use and the link to serious, organised crime. Additionally, the members emphasised the importance of multi‑agency coordination in addressing complex social issues.
General Items
- Work plan introduced: The Coordinator presented the 2026 work plan, including quarterly Community Safety Events and Clinics.
- Cycle Safety initiative: The December Cycle Safety event received positive feedback and will be repeated in 2026.
Members’ Interest Items
- Road safety concerns: Members discussed the importance of local road safety initiatives and campaigns.
- Suicide prevention: The partnership explored ways to support suicide‑prevention efforts and enhance safety for older adults.
- Upcoming engagements: The Chairperson and Community Safety Staff will meet with Minister Jim O’Callaghan and the National Officer for Community Safety in February.
Local Community Safety Plan
A Steering Committee will be established to lead engagement and consultation for the development of the statutory Local Community Safety Plan, marking a significant next step in the partnership’s work.
Next steps
- Steering Committee formation to commence immediately, with consultation activities to follow.
- Quarterly events and safety initiatives to be scheduled as part of the 2026 work plan.
- Oireachtas engagement to continue ahead of the September closed meeting.
The Partnership reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, collaboration, and proactive community safety. The group will continue to engage with stakeholders and the wider public as planning and prevention initiatives progress throughout 2026.