New plan to tackle rural crime welcomed by Kilkenny TDs

A new Rural Safety Plan, detailing specific actions on rural crime and community safety, has been published by Niall Collins, Minister of State at the Department of Justice.

The plan assigns 18 actions and 54 sub-actions to the 24 member organisations of the National Rural Safety Forum, all focused on tackling rural crime and ensuring safety in rural communities.

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The actions are based on four key pillars: Community Safety and Engagement; Property Crime; Roads Safety; and Animal and Wildlife Crime.

National Rural Safety Forum
The National Rural Safety Forum is chaired by Assistant Garda Commissioner Paula Hilman and the Deputy President of the Irish Farmer’s Association, Alice Doyle.

The forum meets on a quarterly basis to discuss issues related to crime and safety in rural communities across Ireland. It will monitor the implementation of the new Rural Safety Plan through regular progress reports.

Welcome
The new plan has been welcomed by Carlow Kilkenny TD, Deputy Peter ‘Chap’ Cleere.
“The publication of the new Rural Safety Plan by Minister Collins is very welcome.

“Rural communities have so many varied stakeholders, which is why this plan is so useful - it brings together all of these stakeholders, from the Gardaí, to the IFA, to Muintir na Tíre, in one strategy, with clear and measurable actions assigned to each, all aimed at ensuring rural communities are and feel safe.

“The publication of a new Rural Safety Plan shows that Fianna Fáil in government recognises the need for tailored approaches to tackle rural crime. We are dedicated to enhancing community safety, tackling rural crime and supporting rural policing through the implementation of the comprehensive measures in this plan.”

Commenting on the launch of the plan, Minister Collins said: “The first responsibility of any Government is to keep its citizens safe, no matter what community they live in.

“The Rural Safety Plan recognises that rural crime is varied and there is no ‘silver bullet’ solution to tackling it. The plan’s most important aspect is how it brings together stakeholders and assigns clearly defined and measurable actions to reduce rural criminal activity.

“Each of the 24 member organisations of the Rural Safety Forum brings expertise in specific areas where efforts will be focused to tackle rural crime. The Plan assigns 18 actions and 54 sub-actions members of the Forum, which will undertake progress reports to monitor and evaluate the progress of the Plan.

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“Everyone has the right to be safe and feel safe in their communities. Rural Ireland is no exception, and the plan recognises the specific actions needed to take rural crime head on and what all stakeholders must do to enhance safety in rural communities.”

Crucially, the Plan is grounded in a collaborative approach. Actions will be delivered in cooperation by member organisations of the National Rural Safety Forum and statutory frameworks such as Local Community Safety Partnerships. Each action is aimed at benefitting everyone who lives, works in, and enjoys rural Ireland.