The Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) hosted the launch of Policing, Security and Community Safety Act 2024: Annotations and Commentary, a significant new publication providing the first comprehensive analysis of Ireland’s most far-reaching policing reforms in decades.
The book, authored by a team of leading legal academics—including TUS’s own Dr PJ Ryan from Upperchurch, Co. Tipperary, but now residing in Kilcolgan, Co. Galway —offers expert commentary on the Policing, Security and Community Safety Act 2024 and its associated secondary legislation.
Two of the book’s authors, Dr PJ Ryan and Dr John P. Byrne, attended the event and participated in discussions about the Act’s implications for policy, practice, and community safety. The other authors were Raymond Byrne, Adjunct Full Professor, University College Dublin (UCD), and Dr TJ McIntyre, Associate Professor, UCD.
The Act underpins a major transformation of Ireland’s policing and security framework, introducing new oversight structures, a focus on community safety, and five core policing principles centred on human rights and public engagement.
Author John P. Bynre, Superintendent Andrew Lacey, Chair of TUS Governing Body Josephine Feehily, Chef Superintendent Derek Smart and author Dr PJ Ryan at the book launch.
The launch event at TUS’s Moylish campus brought together senior figures from An Garda Síochána, the Department of Justice, and leading members of the legal community.
Guests included Niall Collins TD, Minister of State at the Department of Justice; Chief Superintendent Derek Smart; Superintendent Dr Andrew Lacey; and Professor Robert Clark, representing Roundhall, the book’s publisher.
At the event, Niall Collins, the Minister of State at the Department of Justice with special responsibility for International Law, Law Reform and Youth Justice, said:
“I congratulate the authors on the publication of this book, which outlines the wide-reaching reforms achieved by the Policing, Security and Community Safety Act 2024. This comprehensive piece of legislation reorients how the State approaches community safety and modernises oversight of policing in the country. I commend the authors for charting the extent of these changes in this work.”
Dr PJ Ryan, Lecturer in Law at TUS and Co-Author, said
“This Act represents the most significant reform of policing and security in Ireland in a generation. Our book aims to provide the legal clarity and contextual insight needed by practitioners, students, policymakers and communities as these changes take effect. I am especially proud that TUS is part of this national conversation. The work reflects our commitment to research that is practical, collaborative and grounded in real societal impact.”
Professor Vincent Cunnane, President of TUS, added:
“We are proud to see TUS scholarship contributing directly to national policy and public discourse. Dr Ryan’s work exemplifies our mission as a technological university: research that is relevant, engaged and impactful. This launch highlights not only the excellence of our academic staff, but also the role TUS plays in shaping conversations that matter to communities across Ireland.”
This publication marks Dr Ryan’s second major book, further establishing his reputation as a leading commentator on criminal law and justice in Ireland. His first book, Criminal Assets Bureau: Law and Practice, is already widely regarded as the key text in the field.
TUS continues to strengthen its profile in justice, policing and legal research through innovative teaching, strategic partnerships, and contributions to national-level policy development.
To order the book: Email Kathryn.Mills@thomsonreuters.com to order, or visit www.sweetandmaxwell.co.uk/en-gb/round-hall
