Public meetings on community safety

Monaghan Local Community Safety Partnership (LCSP) is holding a public consultation period for its inaugural Monaghan Community Safety Plan 2026-2028.

Public meetings, which include Garda presentations on online fraud, are being held at venues across the county.

The first took place at Clones Courthouse yesterday evening.

The second is planned for Carrickmacross Civic Offices this evening (Wednesday), February 11 from4-8pm. The garda presentation will commence at 6:30pm.

A third public meeting is scheduled for the Monaghan Peace Campus next Monday, February 16, from 4-8pm, again with the garda presentation at 6:30pm.

Staff from the Community Safety Team will be on hand from 4-8pm at each venue to assist the public in filling out questionnaires, which will form the direction and key priorities of the Community Safety Plan.

The questionnaire is also accessible online here until Tuesday, March 31; while paper copies are available at libraries and council offices throughout the county.

Groups and individuals are urged to fill them out and have their say.

The Community Safety Partnerships have been established by the Minister for Justice in each local authority across Ireland to replace the Joint Policing Committees (JPCs).

The objective of the LCSP is to improve community safety and well-being through a collaborative, community-led approach by bringing together residents, local authorities, state services and community representatives to create and implement local community safety plans.

The safety plan, which is being developed, is intended to:

- Support a co-ordinated approach to addressing community safety.

- Encourage an improved level of community and stakeholder collaboration.

- Advance principles of best practice in prevention and intervention.

- Promote a better understanding of local issues and to explore the relevant safety risks and protective factors.

Speaking at the launch of the public consultation for the plan, Cllr. Alan Johnston, Chair of the Monaghan Local Community Safety Partnership, said: “I urge all citizens to take part, either by completing the online questionnaire or by attending the public Community Safety events in their local towns. Hearing from our communities will give us a better understanding of the challenges we face in relation to safety, and we can then compile an Action Plan with our stakeholders which will directly address the issues raised.”

Vice-Chair, Cllr Sinéad Flynn, said: “Community Safety is vital as it allows people to feel safe and feel connected. Consultation with our people will allow us to establish a responsive and relevant Community Safety Plan, that enables our local public bodies and community groups to work together in a coordinated manner to make our communities safer.”

All queries on the Monaghan Local Community Safety Partnership can be made by contacting Barry Eaton, Community Safety Coordinator on 086 3134557 or email communitysafety@monaghancoco.ie