Closer links with gardaí in this Kildare region sought

The call was made by a local representative

By Ciarán Mather Published 22nd Sep 2026, 19:30 BST Closer links with gardaí in this Kildare region sought | FILE PHOTOGRAPH The call was made by a local representative A local councillor has expressed a wish to see closer links with gardaí developed in one County Kildare region.

Labour Party Cllr Aoife Breslin made the appeal at the latest Athy Municipal District (MD) meeting, which took place on Monday, September 21 last.

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At around the halfway point of this meeting, she raised the matter through a motion, in which she requested the members of the MD to arrange ‘an in-camera [private] meeting with An Garda Síochána to discuss matters in the MD, given the establishment of Kildare Local Community Safety Partnership (LCSP)’.

Her motion was seconded by Fianna Fáil Cllr Veralouise Behan

In response to Cllr Breslin’s motion, KCC issued a lengthy report explaining its view on her suggestion.

The report read as follows: “The members may wish to note that this matter has previously been raised with An Garda Síochána, following a motion submitted by Cllr Angela Feeney [Labour Party] and resolved at the meeting of KCC on May 25 last.

“Correspondence [was] subsequently issued to Chief Superintendent Buckley on May 26 last seeking the reinstatement of in-camera garda briefings for elected members at MD level.

“It was proposed that such meetings would operate as information-sharing briefings and would be separate from the Kildare LCSP.”

Cllr Aoife Breslin (Labour Party) | PHOTOGRAPH CREDIT: KILDARECOCO.IE REQUEST DECLINED

However, KCC also noted: “In a response received on June 17 last, Chief Supt Buckley advised that he did not wish to undermine the LCSP model or create a parallel structure that could conflict with its objectives and effectiveness.

“He therefore declined the request at that time, pending clarification from the Garda National Community Safety Partnership Support Unit regarding garda attendance at MD meetings.

“Accordingly, the matter has already been pursued at county level and the current position of An Garda Síochána is that such meetings cannot be facilitated at this time.”

Moreover, KCC said: “Members should also note that, in accordance with the Standing Orders of the Kildare LCSP, a dedicated meeting for all elected representatives will be scheduled before year end.

“It is expected that elected members will have an opportunity to submit questions in advance of the meeting for consideration; an invitation to this meeting will issue in due course.”

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Furthermore, KCC revealed that consultation on the first Kildare Community Safety Plan is expected to commence in October [2026].

KCC elaborated: “All stakeholders will be invited to participate in the consultation process.

“The input of elected members will be particularly important in identifying local community safety priorities and issues, and this engagement will help inform the objectives and actions contained within the Plan.

“The consultation process will provide a significant opportunity for members to contribute to the future direction of community safety policy and initiatives across the county.”

KCC concluded: “However, notwithstanding the above, the decision to write to An Garda Síochána seeking a meeting specific to the Athy MD, as set out in the motion, is a matter for the elected members.”

Following this, Cllr Breslin told KCC that while she welcomed the detail included in its report, she nevertheless said that she was ‘extremely disappointed’ by the response from Chief Supt Buckley.

She added: “I have an extremely good relationship with local gardaí, but if An Garda Síochána is not willing to meet with public representatives, then it is a very sad day.”

Cllr Breslin also asserted that she ‘would be pursuing this matter further’.

A KCC representative, who also present at the meeting then spoke, and suggested to Cllr Breslin: “We can reissue a request [to An Garda Síochána] to attend an in-camera MD meeting.”

They also reiterated that the consultation for the Kildare Community Safety Plan is due to take place next month.