Kildare County Council hosts inaugural meeting of the Kildare Local Community Safety Partnership

Kildare County Council has announced the successful launch of the Kildare Local Community Safety Partnership (LCSP), which held its first official meeting on Thursday, March 12 2026.

The establishment of the Kildare LCSP marks an important step in strengthening local collaboration on community safety across the county. 

The inaugural meeting brought together representatives from An Garda Síochána, Kildare County Council, Tusla and HSE, alongside representatives from local community, youth and education sectors.

Led by the National Office for Community Safety, the Partnership will act as a central forum to identify local safety priorities and oversee the development and implementation of a Community Safety Plan for Kildare. 

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A key aspect of the meeting was the election of the Chair and Vice Chair of the Partnership. Councillor Angela Feeney was elected Chair of the Kildare LCSP. Mario Obijiaku was elected Vice Chair of the Kildare LCSP. 

Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration Jim O’Callaghan, welcomed the establishment of the Kildare LCSP, stating: “I am extremely pleased that the Kildare 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 Kildare Local Community Safety Partnership to develop a plan that identifies community safety needs in their own area.

“My Department has been successfully piloting this model for a number of years in three locations. I would encourage each new partnership to build on the excellent work done by these pilot partnerships who have each published their own community safety plan. 

“I’d like to thank everyone involved in Kildare LCSP for being part of this significant new chapter in community safety. I look forward to following their progress.”  

Speaking at the inaugural meeting, Sonya Kavanagh, Chief Executive, Kildare County Council, welcomed the commencement of the partnership: “The creation of the Kildare Local Community Safety Partnership represents a significant commitment to collaborative and community focused decision making. By bringing together local voices, public services, and agencies, we ensure that safety is central to our work in Kildare. I look forward to seeing the positive impact this partnership will deliver.” 

The newly elected Chair of the Kildare LCSP, Councillor Angela Feeney, also expressed enthusiasm for the work ahead: “It is an honour to be elected Chair of the Kildare LCSP. The partnership offers our community an opportunity to influence local safety priorities and shape solutions that reflect the experiences of people in Kildare. I am excited to work with all partners to ensure our Community Safety Plan is collaborative and community led.” 

The Kildare LCSP will now begin the process of identifying priority areas for the county.