IN HER last meeting as Cathaoirleach of the Metropolitan District, Fine Gael councillor Olivia O’Sullivan called for the establishment of a separate city-only Joint Policing Committee.
During discussions in the Dooradoyle council chamber at this month’s area meeting on antisocial behaviour, Cllr O’Sullivan formally proposed the city-only committee, citing the “complexity of policing issues in the City.”
“It has become apparent to me in my year as Cathaoirleach that the current Joint Policing Committee format is not sufficient for dealing with the City’s complex issues. In my last meeting as Metro leader, I formally propose the establishment of a city-only Joint Policing Committee for Metropolitan area.”
The Joint Policing Committee (JPC) is a committee for elected councillors, Oireachtas members, Limerick Council, and the Gardaí for greater consultation, co-operation, and synergy on policing and crime issues. It also facilitates participation of the community and voluntary sectors.
Currently, there is one JPC for all of Limerick city and county.
In the Joint Policing Committee Guidelines under the Garda Síochána Act 2005, it states that JPCs should be established for the administrative areas of each local authority in the State.
Area sub-committees corresponding to the operational areas of the Council should also then be established to progress the work in an effective, efficient and manageable way. Quarterly meetings are usually recommended.
“If Cappamore-Kilmallock can have its own JPC sub-committee, I cannot see why the issues in the Metropolitan District (Limerick City) do not have their own platform,” Cllr O’Sullivan opined.
“We are a joint local authority with the city and county united under one Council, but the city has hugely complex issues around crime and policing that needs its own focused policing committee.”
Fine Gael party colleague Cllr Daniel Butler supported her call and said the proposal made a lot of sense.
“This is a really practical and meaningful suggestion,” he added.
