Dangerous vacuum over lack of community policing forum says Ward

Sinn Féin TD Mark Ward called on the Minister for Justice to reestablish Joint Policing Committees throughout Dublin in areas where Local Community Safety Partnerships have not been formed.

The Dublin Mid-West TD, who also serves as the community spokesperson on community safety, said that Local Community Safety Partnerships have not returned since last June’s local elections.

“Following the June 2024 local elections, the South Dublin Joint Policing Committee was not re-established. A new Local Community Safety Partnership is soon to be established once the legislation is enacted,” Ward said.

He called on Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan to enact the legislation or issue instructions to local authorities.

“At a time when communities throughout Dublin are not feeling safe, the previous Minister for Justice was dragging her hands in establishing Local Community Safety Partnerships,” Ward said, in reference to former Minister for Justice Helen McEntee.

“LCSPs are to replace Joint Policing Committees, but there have been mixed messages between local authorities about what forums are in place in the meantime.”

He discussed the differences between Dublin City Council and South Dublin County Council on the issue.

“In Dublin City Council, the JPC remains in place to ensure community, political reps, businesses, Gardaí and DCC can work together and be held to account,” he explained.

“In South Dublin County Council, however, JPCs have not been re-established since the local elections.”

“As a result, community-based CCTV cannot be installed due to a lack of this forum, as highlighted in a response to local Sinn Féin councillor, Niamh Fennell.

Ward said the situation is “leaving our communities vulnerable.”

“This delay is the establishment of LCSPs and the lack of JPCs is leaving a dangerous vacuum in our communities, preventing the ability to address ongoing concerns for crime.”

“It is clear that this delay lies firmly at the feet of the Minister for Justice and his government.”

Ward that that the issue needs to be urgently tackled.

“These forums are a place where communities local representatives can hold their councils, Gardaí, transport services and other local services to account, and the government’s delay has left the people voiceless.”