Co. Wicklow Joint Policing Committee
Joint Policing Committees (JPCs) aim to develop greater consultation, cooperation and synergy on policing and crime issues between An Garda Síochána, Authorities and elected local representatives.
JPCs also facilitate the participation of the community and voluntary sectors in this regard.
Co Wicklow PPN has 7 representatives on the Co Wicklow JPC made up of 1 representative from each of the five municipal areas, 1 representative from member groups with a co-wide remit and 1 representative from the community & voluntary college.
Our PPN Representatives
John Bennett
Baltinglass Municipal Area Representative to Co Wicklow Joint Policing Committee
John qualified as a forensic motor and plant engineer working in large corporations and multinational insurers. In 2015 John set up his own company in the forensic motor and plant field which continues to be successful. John enjoys active engagement with the Forum and several community groups in Hollywood it struck John that it would be beneficial to give something back to the community in a positive way. Whilst he does not have limited spare time, he does have time that he believes could be harnessed to help the community. John aims to provide assistance to Co. Wicklow PPN, the JPC and the community in West Wicklow. John believes his experience in life has provided him with the insight and ability to understand the various challenges and concerns faced by communities.
Jim O’Brien
Bray Municipal Area Representative to Co Wicklow Joint Policing Committee
Jim O’Brien is the Manager of Bray Travellers Community Development Group. Jim has represented the Travelling Community in Wicklow for the past 29 years. Jim is passionate about his work and his role as an activist for his community in the wider Wicklow area. Jim has been involved with equality and human rights for all within Irish society and strives to support his fellow Travellers to have their voices heard on all matters that affect their lives.
Ciara Perks
Wicklow Municipal District Representative to Co Wicklow Joint Policing Committee
Ciara is embedded in Community life through her involvement as Community liaison for Wicklow County Council COVID-19 response
helpline, a member of Newtown Primary School Board of
Management, PRO of Newtownmountkennedy Community Forum, local correspondent for the Wicklow People as well as positions on the committees of Newtown Community Centre and the local CE Scheme.
Stephen Kearon
Community & Voluntary College Representative to Co Wicklow Joint Policing Committee
Stephen has been actively involved in various community groups for over 30 years, founder director of WITC a charity that provided IT training and assistance in Wicklow, former chair of Wicklow Dementia Support charity, current member of the PPN Secretariat, appointed a Peace Commissioner in 2010 and current member of the JPC. Someone who always articulates the concerns brought to him, and seeks a second term in order to continue to be a voice for the community at JPC meetings
James Dunne
Arklow Municipal District Representative to Co Wicklow Joint Policing Committee
James Dunne comes with a wide experience of community involvement. He is a founding member and current chairman of the Board Arklow Business Enterprise Centre. He is a founding member of the Arklow Springboard Family welfare project and current chairman of their advisory Committee. He is a member of the Executive of Arklow & District Chamber of commerce. He was appointed a Peace Commissioner in 2005. He is a former National Trustee of the Gaelic Athletic Association. He served as County Chairman and Secretary of the County Wicklow GAA Board and is currently secretary of the Arklow Geraldine’s Ballymoney GAA Club.
Conor O’Leary
Groups with a co-wide remit Representative to Co Wicklow Joint Policing Committee
Conor O’Leary is the Community Alert Development Officer for Muintir na Tire which jointly manages the national community alert programme in partnership with An Garda Siochana. The role covers the entire Eastern Garda Region including all of County Wicklow. The work involves supporting communities to address all issues related to community safety and security with a particular emphasis on the needs of vulnerable people in our communities. He is also an active member of his local community in Kiltegan in West Wicklow.
Kathleen Kelleher
Greystones Municipal District Representative to Co Wicklow Joint Policing Committee
Kathleen Kelleher has a long history of community involvement. She was first elected to public office in 1999 as a Greystones Town Councillor. She also served a term as a Wicklow County Councillor, from 2004 to 2009.
Living in Greystones since 1973, Kathleen has helped Greystones to grow and develop to be one of the best places in which to live, not only in Ireland, but in the whole world.
She has a strong record of community involvement in a wide variety of Greystones organizations. She brings to her profile a wealth of experience and energy combined with a reputation for working well with people and, most importantly, getting things done.
She served a term as mayor of Greystones and helped organise the St Patrick’s Day parade on several occasions. She plays a key role in Greystones town twinning events with Hollyhead in Wales as well as being actively involved in Greystones Cancer Support.
