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

Local Community Safety Partnerships are to replace Joint Policing Committees, which have not returned since the local elections in June last year.

Teachta Ward said:

“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.

“The Minister must enact this legislation or issue instructions to local authorities.

“Joint Policing Committees need to be reconvened while we are waiting for the government to establish Local Community Safety Partnerships.

“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.

“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.

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

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

“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.

“This 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.

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

“Urgency is needed on this. Joint Policing Committees need to be reestablished to help keep our communities safe.”