New community safety survey launched in Offaly
A new survey on community safety in Offaly has been launched.
The survey by Offaly Local Community Safety Partnership, a new, community focused initiative dedicated to enhancing safety across the county, is designed to identify specific safety concerns people have, and prioritise actions to deal with the issues identified.
The information gathered through the survey will be used to shape and inform the Community Safety Plan.
Everyone over the age of 12 who lives or works in Offaly is invited to share their experiences and perspectives on safety, crime prevention, and community well-being.
The LCSP operates as an interagency collaborative forum, bringing together representatives from community and voluntary groups, residents, elected representatives and statutory bodies Offaly County Council, An Garda Síochána, the HSE and Tusla.
It is required to develop and implement a tailored three-year Community Safety Plan to help ensure people are safe and feel safe in their communities.
Cllr. Eddie Fitzpatrick a county councillor for over 20 years representing Edenderry Municipal District, was elected Chair at the inaugural meeting held in January and former county councillor and Tullamore based community stalwart Molly Buckley was elected Vice-Chair.
The new community safety partnerships replace the Joint Policing Committees.
Cllr Eddie Fitzpatrick commented “This move beyond traditional policing to a more holistic approach ensures local voices guide local solutions. Policing and crime prevention is not just the responsibility of An Garda Síochána, we all have a part to play and our community is at its strongest when residents have an input into the decision-making process. The LCSP framework allows for a safety issue to be tackled simultaneously through the various agencies responsible and when multiple agencies collaborate, they can solve the root causes of a problem rather than just managing the symptoms.
Molly Buckley urged everyone to get behind the survey and voice any concerns they might have.
"This survey is a vital tool for us to understand what people in our community experience daily as they go about their business. Whether their concerns relate to street lighting, road safety, anti-social behaviour or domestic violence, we need everyone’s input to help us build a safer, more resilient environment for everyone. Inclusive societies thrive when every individual has the power to shape their community, so it is of utmost importance that all sectors of our society, young and old, urban and rural based and members of minority groups and communities engage with this process."
The survey takes approximately five minutes to complete and will remain active until 12pm on September 20. Participants can access the survey online here or by picking up a paper copy in any Offaly County Council building or public library.
For more information about the LCSP or to raise an issue in relation to community safety, please email communitysafety@offalycoco.ie.