Urgent Update: South Dublin Policing Meetings Halted for Over a Year

UPDATE: South Dublin County Council (SDCC) has not convened an official meeting on local policing or safety for over a year, raising urgent concerns among residents. This alarming revelation comes as local councillor Niamh Fennell expresses fears of a growing culture of fear in the community, exacerbated by the absence of discussions on public safety.

The last meeting on local policing took place in June 2022, following the Department of Justice’s announcement to replace the monthly Joint Policing Committees (JPCs) with new Local Community Safety Partnerships (LCSPs). However, the setup delay has left SDCC without any official forums to address safety issues since the JPCs were disbanded.

“I put in a motion at a local area committee in January 2023 asking for a task force for the Balgaddy area in Clondalkin,” Fennell stated. “I was told they were waiting for approval from the Ministry to establish the LCSP. It’s been four months now, and we are still in limbo.”

Residents are feeling increasingly vulnerable, with reports of violent attacks and hate crimes on the rise. “People are frightened, people are scared. It feels like things are at a standstill,” added Fennell, emphasizing the urgent need for local support and safety measures.

Without a functioning forum, initiatives like installing CCTV cameras cannot be implemented. “The only people you can turn to are the guards. They have a good relationship with the people in my constituency,” Fennell remarked. However, she noted that some residents are hesitant to approach authority figures, which further complicates the situation.

As the absence of regular meetings continues, anti-social behaviour teams have attempted to engage with the community through clinics. Yet, Fennell reported low turnout, particularly in the North Clondalkin Safety Forum, where residents have not attended meetings to voice their concerns.

The proposed LCSPs aim to be a multi-agency body, streamlining responses to community safety issues. “Once this type of forum is set up, there is a lot that can be done,” Fennell said, expressing hope for increased involvement from various representatives. However, she underscores the need for prompt action, stating, “It needs to be quicker.”

As local officials await the establishment of these new safety partnerships, the community’s demand for immediate action grows. South Dublin County Council has been contacted for comment regarding the ongoing delay.

Residents and local leaders alike are calling for urgent measures to restore safety and security in the community. The lack of policing meetings over the past year has left many constituents feeling abandoned and anxious about their safety.

What’s next? Watch for any updates from SDCC on the status of the Local Community Safety Partnerships and their potential impact on community policing efforts. The situation continues to develop, and the urgency for a resolution is palpable among local constituents.