PCSA opens public consultation to determine Policing Priorities for An Garda Síochána
Closing Date: 8th June 2025
The Policing and Community Safety Authority (PCSA) hereby gives notice of a public consultation regarding the determination of Policing Priorities for An Garda Síochána for 2026-2028. This project involves gathering input from the public on what policing services should be prioritised across Ireland.
Application Background
Pursuant to the Policing, Security and Community Safety Act 2024, the PCSA was established on 2nd April 2025 as the new oversight body for An Garda Síochána. The PCSA is responsible for overseeing and assessing the performance of An Garda Síochána in relation to policing services, in an independent and transparent manner. The determination of Policing Priorities is a key function that will provide clarity on areas requiring particular attention to improve policing services.
Project Details
The public consultation was launched on 29th April 2025, coinciding with the first meeting of the Authority since its establishment. During this inaugural meeting, the Authority met 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. Following this, Authority members met with the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, Jim O'Callaghan TD.
Public Participation Opportunities
The consultation is open to all individuals over the age of 16 across Ireland and provides:
A user-friendly online tool that allows participants to allocate 'points' to policing areas they consider priorities
An opportunity to complete the consultation in approximately 10 minutes
A platform for community organisations and Garda personnel to share their views
Public Viewing Availability
The public consultation runs from 29th April until 8th June 2025 inclusive and is available at:
The PCSA website link (available here)
Additionally, the PCSA will hold monthly meetings with the Garda Commissioner to discuss policing performance and community safety matters. At least four times per year, these meetings will be held in public, live-streamed, and available for media broadcast. The first public meeting will take place on Thursday, 29th May 2025.
Additional Information
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 within their local communities.
As stated by Elaine Byrne BL, Chairperson of PCSA: "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."
Make Your Submission
For further information about the PCSA and upcoming events, visit:
Follow PCSA on Bluesky, LinkedIn and X
Contact Information
For press inquiries or additional details:
Glenn Mason, Press Officer Policing and Community Safety Authority Email: pressoffice@PCSAIreland.ie
The Public Consultation Institute of Ireland (PCII) is committed to engaging citizens and empowering communities through the use of emerging technologies, which are transforming how the Government and citizens communicate and interact. PCII's mission is to bring more people into the public participatory process. Not only will this expand informed public engagement, early studies suggest that it is likely to enhance the diversity and quality of participation. View a list of public consultations currently open at https://www.publicconsultation.ie/haveyoursay