O’Shea Welcomes Commencement of new Three-Year Community Safety Plan for Cork County

Fine Gael TD for Cork North West John Paul O’Shea has welcomed the commencement of work on a new three-year Community Safety Plan for Cork County, describing it as an important opportunity to ensure local communities have a stronger voice in shaping public safety priorities.

The Cork County Local Community Safety Partnership (CCLCSP) recently held its second statutory meeting at County Hall, bringing together representatives from local government, An Garda Síochána, the HSE, business, farming, education and youth sectors, as well as community and voluntary organisations from across the county.

Deputy O’Shea said the broad range of stakeholders involved demonstrates the importance of taking a collaborative approach to community safety.

“Community safety is about far more than policing alone. It is about bringing together local authorities, community groups, schools, businesses, voluntary organisations and State agencies to identify challenges and develop practical solutions that make our towns, villages and communities safer places to live.”

Deputy O’Shea particularly welcomed the Partnership’s decision to establish its first working group to begin developing a three-year Local Community Safety Plan.

“The most important aspect of this process is that local people will have an opportunity to shape the priorities of the plan. Every community faces different challenges, whether it is road safety, antisocial behaviour, public spaces, youth engagement or crime prevention. It is essential that local voices are heard and reflected in the final plan.”

He also welcomed the Partnership’s focus on road safety, following a presentation to members highlighting educational initiatives in schools and the use of innovative technologies such as the award-winning Road Safety Virtual Reality Education model.

“Road safety remains a major concern for communities across Cork. Any initiative that helps educate young people, reduce dangerous behaviour and ultimately save lives deserves strong support. The discussion around drink-driving awareness and road safety concerns is particularly important given the devastating impact road fatalities have on families and communities.”

Deputy O’Shea noted that the Partnership’s work comes at a time when communities are increasingly seeking greater engagement on issues such as community safety, antisocial behaviour, rural crime and public confidence.

“I welcome plans for a public consultation process in the coming months. This is an opportunity for residents from every part of Cork County to have their say on what matters most to them and to help shape the priorities that will guide community safety initiatives over the next three years.”

He also welcomed plans for further working groups to address specific community safety issues and for public meetings later this year to ensure continued engagement with local communities.

“The success of this initiative will be measured by the actions that follow. By bringing together all of the relevant stakeholders and listening directly to local communities, we can develop practical measures that improve safety, strengthen public confidence and enhance quality of life across Cork County.”

Deputy O’Shea encouraged members of the public to engage with the consultation process once it is launched and to contribute their views on how community safety can be enhanced throughout the county.