PCSA opens public consultation to determine Policing Priorities for An Garda Síochána
29 April 2025: Today, the Policing and Community Safety Authority (PCSA) launched its public consultation on the Policing Priorities for An Garda Síochána for 2026-2028. The launch coincides with the first meeting of the Authority since the PCSA was established on 02 April 2025. The agenda for the meeting is available here.
Members of the public, community organisations and garda personnel have a unique opportunity to share their views on what policing services should be prioritised in this country. The consultation (available here) runs from 29 April until 08 June 2025 and is open to anyone over the age of 16 across Ireland.
The user-friendly online tool allows you to allocate ‘points’ to the areas of policing that you consider a priority and will take about 10 minutes to complete.
At its first meeting today, the Authority met in private with the Garda Commissioner to discuss the development of the Policing Priorities, An Garda Síochána’s Annual Service Plan and the protection of children in the state, amongst other things. After the meeting with the Commissioner, Authority members met the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, Jim O’Callaghan TD.
The Authority will meet monthly with the Garda Commissioner to discuss policing performance and matters of community safety. At least four times a year these meetings will be held in public and will be live-streamed and available to broadcast by the media. The first public meeting will take place on Thursday 29 May.
Speaking on the importance of the public’s engagement in the formation of the Policing Priorities, Elaine Byrne BL, Chairperson of PCSA, said:
“The determination of Policing Priorities for An Garda Síochána is an important element of the PCSA’s work. The Policing Priorities, when determined, provide clarity on the key areas that require particular attention to improve policing services to the public. They will also highlight the areas within which PCSA oversight will focus and set the context for the Commissioner’s development of An Garda Síochána’s Strategic Plan and Annual Service Plan.
“This public consultation offers an excellent opportunity for people to have their say on what they believe An Garda Síochána should prioritise. It is important that communities and individuals have an opportunity to input into the development of the priorities. Including more voices and perspectives will help significantly to determine what policing best delivers a sense of safety and security in the community.”
Notes to Editors:
About the Policing and Community Safety Authority
The Policing and Community Safety Authority (PCSA) – the new oversight body for An Garda Síochána – was formally established on 2 April 2025, following the commencement of the Policing, Security and Community Safety Act 2024. The role of the PCSA is to oversee and assess the performance of An Garda Síochána in relation to policing services, in an independent and transparent manner.
The PCSA is the successor organisation to the Policing Authority and Garda Síochána Inspectorate, taking on most of their existing functions. The PCSA has an additional function in the area of community safety and will have a key role in ensuring that people in Ireland are not only safe but feel safe, day-to-day, within their local communities.
The PCSA offers the opportunity to reimagine independent policing oversight, and establish a strong, independent body focused on improving policing and community safety outcomes, providing individuals, families and communities across Ireland with an effective and trusted policing service.
The PCSA’s first public meeting will take place on 29 May 2025. Further information about the new organisation can be found on www.PCSAIreland.ie, Bluesky, LinkedIn and X.
Contact: Glenn Mason, Press Officer – Policing and Community Safety Authority. Email: pressoffice@PCSAIreland.ie