Sligo County Council welcomes the continued national progress of the Local Community Safety Partnership (LCSP) model, a key commitment under the Programme for Government.
Sligo Local Community Safety Partnership (LCSP) Engages Nationally as Public Survey Opens
Sligo LCSP Coordinator Mairéad Clerkin and Sligo LCSP Chairperson Cllr. Marie Casserly with Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, Jim O’Callaghan
On 5 February, Sligo LCSP Chairperson Cllr. Marie Casserly and Coordinator Mairéad Clerkin attended the first national meeting of LCSP Chairs, Coordinators and Administrators, hosted by the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration.
The Sligo LCSP held its inaugural meeting on Monday, 8 December 2025, marking the transition from the former Joint Policing Committee to a more inclusive, community‑led structure. At this first meeting, Cllr. Marie Casserly was appointed Chairperson, with Pippa Black appointed Vice Chair, to oversee the development of Sligo’s local community safety plan.
Commenting at the national meeting, the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, Jim O’Callaghan, welcomed the progress being made:
“Today marks a significant step in advancing the new Local Community Safety Partnership model, bringing together those who will lead its delivery and strengthen our approach to community safety.
The next step for each partnership is to develop and implement their own, tailored community safety plan. Bringing together local representatives, community groups and state agencies will allow each Safety Partnership to develop a plan that identifies meaningful actions in response to community safety needs in their own area.
I want to wish the Chairs and members of the Local Community Safety Partnerships the very best and thank them for being a part of this innovative new approach to community safety. Their willingness and commitment to working collaboratively as members will be the key to success of their respective partnerships.”
Nationwide, 34 Local Community Safety Partnerships have now appointed members, with 31 having held their inaugural meetings and elected their Chairs and Vice Chairs. Remaining LCSPs are expected to be established by the end of February 2026.
Speaking on behalf of Sligo’s Local Community Safety Partnership, Chairperson Cllr. Marie Casserly said:
“Sligo’s LCSP is already building strong momentum, and the national meeting provided an excellent opportunity to learn, share, and strengthen our collective approach. Our focus is firmly on collaboration—working with residents, community groups, An Garda Síochána, local businesses, and agencies to develop a community safety plan that reflects the real needs and priorities of people across Sligo. I look forward to progressing this important work with the support and commitment of all members.”
Each LCSP will include up to 30 members representing communities, An Garda Síochána, local authority staff, elected representatives, state agencies, and the community and voluntary sector. The National Office for Community Safety will support each partnership in developing coordinated, strategic responses to community safety issues at local level.
The Office is also progressing Ireland’s first National Strategy for Improving Community Safety. A nationwide public survey opened on 5 February 2026 and will remain open until 27 February 2026
Minister O’Callaghan encouraged strong public participation:
“Our National Strategy will be an unprecedented, whole-of-government commitment to redefine and improve community safety across Ireland. It will establish a foundational, responsive, and relevant policy framework that enables public service bodies and communities to work together in a coordinated manner to make communities safer. > >
I encourage members of the public to fill out the survey and have their say on the issues that matter most to them in helping us to build safer communities.”
Sligo County Council encourages all residents—individuals, community groups, businesses and stakeholders—to take part in the national community safety survey. Your input will directly inform the development of both the National Strategy and the future community safety plan for Sligo.
Further information on the National Strategy, including the public survey, is available at:
