Eoghan Kenny (Cork North-Central, Labour)
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642. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality for an update on the Programme for Government commitment to publish a new Rural Safety Strategy, as of July 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37353/25]

Niall Collins (Limerick County, Fianna Fail)
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Community safety is a top priority for my Department and everyone has the right to be safe and feel safe in their communities. Rural Ireland is no exception.

In 2019, the National Rural Safety Forum was established. The Forum comprises of a broad range of organisations, including my Department, An Garda Síochána, the IFA and stakeholders who share the common purpose of ensuring rural safety.

The Forum works to develop a nationwide network for the distribution of consistent and highly effective crime prevention advice, to increase engagement within communities and to prevent and reduce opportunities for crime. The Forum meets on an ongoing basis to continue its work and to develop Ireland’s second national Rural Safety Plan.

My Department published the first national Rural Safety Plan in 2022. Minister Collins and Department officials are currently drafting the Rural Safety Plan 2025 - 2027 which will be published later this year. 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. My Department is continuing to work closely with the National Rural Safety Forum to develop impactful actions for the upcoming Rural Safety Plan.