The Wicklow Local Community Safety Partnership (LCSP) hosted a successful Community Safety Event at the Arklow Bay Hotel on Wednesday 29th April, bringing together residents, community organisations, services providers, and local representatives for a morning dedicated to safety, wellbeing, and partnership across the county.
Opening the event, Cllr. Tom Fortune, Chairperson of the Wicklow LCSP, spoke about the significance of the new partnership model and the importance of collective action, commenting, “The LCSP play a role in shaping a more community centred approach to safety, and the key to success lies in the word Partnership. Community engagement will be central to shaping the upcoming development of Wicklow’s first three-year Community Safety Plan. Six public consultations, surveys, and targeted outreach initiatives are planned to ensure local voices guide local priorities. We encourage all residents to participate in upcoming consultations and play an active role in shaping the future of community safety in the county.”
Commenting on the event, Cathaoirleach of Wicklow County Council Cllr. Melanie Corrigan said, “The strength of community involvement and the value of bringing diverse organisations together in one space does not go unnoticed. The breadth of work represented at this event and the collective impact of shared knowledge in the room here today can only result in relationships forming, which will lead to practical solutions and stronger communities.”
Chief Superintendent Derek Hughes, Wexford Wicklow Divisional Office noted “An Garda Siochana commit our full support and resources to supporting the Partnership in its work”.
The event featured a wide range of information stands showcasing supports for families, youth services, health and wellbeing initiatives, road safety programmes, crime‑prevention services, and community‑based organisations. Attendees had the opportunity to meet service providers directly, learn about available supports, and explore the collaborative work taking place across Wicklow.
The event brought together a panel of expert guest speakers, each offering insight from their specialised areas of work. Contributions included Sergeant John FitzPatrick, Crime Prevention Officer and Detective Sergeant Eoin O’Connell of the Garda National Cyber Crime Bureau, who outlined current crime trends and preventative measures.
Deborah Jordan, Planet Youth Coordinator, and Mick Ledden of PsyCare Ireland highlighted supports for young people and community wellbeing. Anne‑Marie McMorrow, Manager of Bray Women’s Refuge, spoke on frontline responses to domestic violence, while Pat Duggan, Community Alert Development Officer with Muintir na Tíre, addressed local safety initiatives. James O’Neill of Property Marking Ireland discussed practical theft reduction measures, and Marion Van Der Well, Healthy Age Friendly Homes Coordinator, shared approaches that can assist in helping older residents feel safer in their homes.
Together, the speakers provided a comprehensive overview of community safety, support services, and collaborative action.
The day concluded with a renewed commitment from all participating organisations to continue working collaboratively, share expertise, and support the ongoing development of safer, stronger communities across Wicklow.