Former Longford Garda Supt Seamus Boyle appointed as Chair of Local Community Safety Partnership

Former Longford Garda superintendent Seamus Boyle has been appointed as the Chairperson for the Local Community Safety Partnership (LCSP), it has been announced.

Minister for Enterprise, Trade, and Employment and Longford TD Peter Burke TD said he is pleased by the appointment, which was confirmed by by Minister for Justice, Helen McEntee, today.

Minister Burke said the move is part as part of a "nationwide initiative aimed at improving safety and addressing local issues through community driven plans".

He stated the partnership will develop a plan which meets the needs of the Longford community. 

Minister Burke also outlined LCSP will set out the actions to be taken to improve community safety and allow communities to hold local services accountable for implementation of the plan.

Plans will focus on a range of measures from dealing with anti-social behaviour and delivering youth justice measures to improving refuse collection, street lighting and access to services.

In support of these initiatives, the Longford LCSP will have access to the Community Safety Fund, which reinvests the proceeds of crime, seized by the Criminal Assets Bureau, back into communities.

Minister Burke stated he believes this is a "radical new initiative that empowers communities like Longford" to take charge of their own safety.

“By working together, local residents, public bodies, and voluntary groups can create a plan that addresses the specific needs of the area," he said. “Having access to funding through the Community Safety Fund will also allow Longford LCSP to implement safety measures that will make Longford a safer place for everyone.

Minister Burke said the Government is committed to backing these plans with the necessary funding and support.