Minister Niall Collins to launch Rural Safety Plan 2025-27

• Plan has been developed by the National Rural Safety Forum in conjunction with the Department of Justice, Home Affairs, and Migration to build safer rural communities across Ireland
• Building on the previous Plan which covered 2022-24, the latest Plan identifies four priority areas which member organisations will focus on: Community Safety & Engagement, Property Crime, Roads Safety, and Animal & Wildlife Crime
• The development and publication of the new Plan fulfils a commitment in the Programme for Government 2025

Minister Niall Collins will today (17th September) launch the Rural Safety Plan 2025-27 at the National Ploughing Championships in Screggan, Co. Offaly.

The Rural Safety Plan 2025-27 has been developed by the National Rural Safety Forum in conjunction with the Department of Justice, Home Affairs, and Migration.

The Plan's vision is to continue to build safe communities across rural Ireland. Achieving

this vision requires a multi-agency, collaborative approach, including everything from having more visible Gardaí in the community to providing safe public spaces and amenities.

Following an analysis of the Rural Safety Plan 2022-24, this Plan identifies four priorities to address: Community Safety & Engagement, Property Crime, Roads Safety, and Animal & Wildlife Crime.

Under these four pillars, the 24 member organisations of the National Rural Safety Forum have committed to 18 actions which will be enabled by 53 sub-actions, all with a view to ensuring people are safe and feel safe in rural Ireland.

Speaking ahead of the launch, Minister Collins said:

“I am delighted to launch the Rural Safety Plan 2025-27. The development and publication of the Plan, in collaboration with the National Rural Safety Forum, delivers on a commitment in the Programme for Government 2025.

“Enhancing rural safety is essential to achieving the Government’s vision for thriving rural communities across Ireland. I want to thank the National Rural Safety Forum and its member organisations who share this vision for their commitment to building safer rural communities.

“I look forward to the implementation of this Plan as Each action has the potential to benefit everyone who lives, works in, and enjoys rural Ireland. The National Rural Safety Forum will monitor the progress of these actions with a view to developing the next Plan.”

The National Rural Safety Forum is comprised of organisations and people with a common purpose of ensuring rural safety. The Forum is co-chaired by the IFA and An Garda Síochána, and is supported by the Department of Justice, Home Affairs, and Migration.

The Forum works to develop a nationwide network for the distribution of consistent, highly effective crime prevention advice while also increasing engagement within communities and reducing the opportunities for crime.

Assistant Commissioner Paula Hilman said:

“An Garda Síochána remains committed to rural Ireland and our community policing ethos.

“Through various collaborations including the National Rural Safety Forum, Community Alert schemes and new Community Safety Partnerships, An Garda Síochána is listening to and working with rural communities. This collaboration, must be and is supported by Gardaí who work, live, socialise and are embedded as part of all our communities.

“Through initiatives such as Operation Thor, An Garda Síochána has targeted and taken on crime gangs who have caused significant worry to rural communities, leading to a significant decline in residential burglaries by 75% since its introduction in 2015.

“An Garda Síochána will continue to listen, respond and support rural communities across all four pillars on the National Rural Safety Plan, Community Safety & Engagement, Property Crime, Roads Safety, and Animal & Wildlife Crime. An Garda Síochána is steadfast that we are here to help.”

Deputy President of the Irish Farmers’ Association , Alice Doyle said:

“Members of the National Rural Safety Forum have worked exceptionally hard to bring the Rural Safety Plan together and I would like to thank them for their great contribution.

“This plan will deliver real outcomes which will have day to day and lasting effects on rural communities. Crime Prevention initiatives, advisory notifications, multi -agency approaches to combating crime gives great community reassurance and peace of mind to all rural community dwellers.

“I would also like thank Minister Collins and the Department Officials for their involvement to date and their continued assurance to support the implantation of this plan.”

The National Rural Safety Forum will monitor the implementation of the Plan and evaluate the progress of the Plan during its lifetime.