Limerick’s First Local Community Safety Partnership holds Inaugural Meeting

The establishment of the LCSP represents an important step in the implementation of Ireland’s new national community safety framework at local level. The Partnership will bring together representatives from statutory agencies, local communities, elected members and key stakeholders to work collaboratively on identifying and addressing community safety issues affecting communities throughout Limerick.

A key function of the LCSP will be the development and oversight of a Local Community Safety Plan, ensuring that local priorities and concerns are reflected in future actions and initiatives designed to support safer, stronger and more inclusive communities.

The inaugural meeting formally established the Partnership to commence its work programme. Members elected Partnership members Cllr Bridie Collins as Chairperson and Cllr. Greg Conway as Vice-Chairperson. Standing Orders and Terms of Reference were also considered for adoption. Gráinne Berrill, Director of the National Office for Community Safety attended the inaugural meeting.

Mayor of Limerick, John Moran welcomed the establishment of the Partnership, saying:

"Building 'A Safer and More Community Driven Limerick' is one of the core pillars of my mayoral programme; an ambition dependent on agencies, communities and elected members acting together. That is the purpose of the Local Community Safety Partnership, whose 28 members met for the first time today. Their first job is to write a Local Community Safety Plan for the city and county, setting out what needs to be done and who is responsible for doing it. The aim is that, once those actions are under way, people of all ages feel safe in every part of Limerick."

Príomh Chomhairleoir at Limerick City and County Council, Cllr Tom Ruddle, added:

“Community safety is about much more than reducing crime. It is about creating places where people feel safe, connected and supported. The Local Community Safety Partnership offers an important opportunity to listen to communities, identify priorities and ensure that local voices help shape the actions and initiatives that are taken in the years ahead.”

The new LCSP Chairperson, Cllr Bridie Collins was delighted to take up the role, saying:

“I am passionate about supporting safer, stronger communities and I am proud and honoured to take on the role of Chairperson of Limerick's first Local Community Safety Partnership. We have a lot of work to do, and this Partnership provides an opportunity to move beyond simply discussing issues and instead focus on coordinated action, leaving no one behind. I look forward to working alongside community representatives, voluntary groups, statutory agencies and fellow members to champion initiatives that improve safety, wellbeing and quality of life for people across the city and county.”

Community Safety Coordinator at Limerick City and County Council, Paul Moroney commented:

“The strength of the Local Community Safety Partnership lies in its partnership approach. By working together and sharing expertise, we can develop evidence-based responses to local challenges and create safer, more inclusive communities across Limerick. I look forward to seeing the Partnership build strong relationships with communities as it develops its first Local Community Safety Plan.”

The regulations establishing LCSPs came into operation on 30 June 2025, and partnerships were automatically created in every local authority area, including Limerick. The newly established Limerick LCSP comprises 28 members appointed by the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration Jim O’ Callaghan T.D.

The LCSP will serve as a strategic forum for examining community safety concerns and developing coordinated responses that are informed by evidence, local knowledge and community engagement. It represents a shift from traditional policing forums to a more collaborative, preventative, and inclusive approach.

If you have any queries in relation to the Local Community Safety Partnership Expression of Interest process, please email communitysafety@limerick.ie