Inaugural meeting of the new Cavan Local Community Safety Partnership
The newly established Cavan Local Community Safety Partnership (LCSP) held its inaugural meeting in the Hotel Kilmore on Wednesday, January 28, 2026.
At the meeting Cllr John Paul Feeley was elected Chairperson of the Partnership, and Cllr TP O’Reilly was elected Vice-Chair. Both will serve three years from the date of appointment and will lead the partnership in its work to promote safer communities and foster trust and cooperation between all stakeholders.
The Cavan LCSP brings together residents, community organisations, elected members, An Garda Síochána, Cavan County Council, TUSLA, the Health Service Executive (HSE), education and business representatives, and other key stakeholders. The purpose of the LCSP is to provide a collaborative forum where community safety concerns can be identified, discussed, and addressed through coordinated, evidence-based action. LCSPs have been established in every local authority area across Ireland, replacing and expanding upon the work of the former Joint Policing Committees.
The Local Community Safety Partnership requires all relevant state bodies and voluntary organisations to work together in partnership with the local communities across County Cavan to prioritise and address community safety issues in their own area. This new partnership approach is being introduced to encourage greater community participation and empowerment, involving all sections of the community working together to foster greater feelings and experiences of safety in local communities throughout County Cavan.
The LCSP is required to develop and implement a Local Community Safety Plan for County Cavan and will take a strategic approach to their work so that issues arising can be dealt with in a coordinated manner; addressed collectively by relevant service providers in partnership with the community. The inaugural meeting focused on establishing governance arrangements, discussing the LCSP’s statutory functions, preparing for the development of the first Cavan Local Community Safety Plan, and identifying immediate opportunities for collaboration.
Cllr John Paul Feeley, as the newly elected Chair, said: “We are fortunate to live in what is a broadly safe and welcoming environment, that does not mean we should not address the issues that are there. I look forward to working with all of the members of the Partnership to give voice to the concerns and developing initiatives to make keep our county as a safe and welcoming place.”
Cllr T.P. O’Reilly, vice-chair, said: “I want to listen to the safety concerns of the people of Cavan and find ways to make Cavan safer for everyone.”
Eoin Doyle, Chief Executive of Cavan County Council added: “Safe, thriving communities are built by listening to people’s safety concerns and working together through ongoing cooperation, shared responsibility, and practical action at local level. The Cavan Local Community Safety Partnership will give agencies and residents a strong platform to tackle the safety needs that matter most, develop real solutions, and create lasting, positive change for people across the area.”
Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration Jim O’Callaghan said: “I am extremely pleased that the Cavan 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 Cavan Local Community Safety Partnership to develop a plan that identifies community safety needs in their own area.
“I’d like to thank everyone involved in Cavan LCSP for being part of this significant new chapter in community safety. I look forward to following their progress.”
For further information contact Cavan Local Community Safety Partnership by email to LCSP@cavancoco.ie or visit www.cavancoco.ie/LCSP