Offaly launches the Local Community Safety Partnership to strengthen community safety

OFFALY is proud to announce the official establishment of the Offaly Local Community Safety Partnership (LCSP), a new initiative aimed at enhancing safety across the county.

The newly formed Offaly Local Community Safety Partnership (LCSP) met for the first time on 21st January 2026 at Offaly County Council, introducing a new, interagency effort aimed at identifying and prioritising community safety issues.

The Partnership brings together residents, community organisations and representatives, business and education sectors, social inclusion, local services and community interests together with An Garda Síochána, elected representatives and stakeholders including Offaly County Council, HSE and Tusla to work collectively on identifying and addressing safety concerns, promoting inclusion, and fostering a stronger sense of community. This innovative model marks a significant shift towards a more holistic and community-led approach to public safety.

The objective of the LCSP is to bring the relevant bodies together with communities in a collaborative manner, by focusing on the concerns identified and prioritised by local people. The Partnership will develop a Local Community Safety Plan, informed by public consultation and data-driven insights, to address key priorities such as crime prevention, road safety, youth engagement, anti-social behaviour, hate crime and domestic, sexual and gender-based violence.

At the inaugural meeting, Cllr. Eddie Fitzpatrick and Molly Buckley were elected as the inaugural Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson respectively.

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Newly appointed Chairperson of the Offaly Local Community Safety Partnership, Cllr. Eddie Fitzpatrick stated: ‘Community safety begins with community. My ambition is to build a strong, consensus-driven partnership that listens to people across the county and work together to create safer, more connected communities. We will identify the issues that matter most to people and work together to develop a Local Safety Plan which reflects the lived experience of rural life and progress agreed actions and priorities together. ‘

Chief Superintendent Tony Tighe, An Garda Síochána, commented: "I am delighted to have been appointed as the Superintendent for Community engagement for Offaly. I am excited to be part of the Local Community Safety Partnership which I strongly believe enhances and builds on the Garda mission of 'Keeping People Safe' and not only that but feeling safe, in their homes, villages and communities. The work of the LCSP will improve outcomes for the people of Offaly"

Deputy Chief Executive of Offaly County Council Ann Dillon stated: ‘I welcome the collaborative approach of the new Local Community Safety Partnership. It will prioritise the voices of local people and will work to find solutions that reflect the real needs of the people who live in the county. This approach has been piloted in other counties and has been shown to be effective in tackling community safety issues.’

In a video address Minister for Justice Home Affairs and Migration Jim O’Callaghan said: “I am extremely pleased that the Offaly 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.

“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 Offaly 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 several 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 Offaly LCSP for being part of this significant new chapter in community safety. I look forward to following their progress.”

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