Cavan LCSP “Coco’s Law” Youth and Community Protection Working Group
The inaugural meeting of the “Coco's Law” Youth and Community Protection Working Group took place on 7 September 2026 in the Tusla Building, bringing together representatives from An Garda Síochána, Tusla, HSE, education providers, Foróige, Cavan County Council and the Cavan Local Community Safety Partnership. The group formally elected Cllr. Niamh Brady as Chairperson and Inspector Lionel Mullally as Vice-Chairperson and agreed governance arrangements for the operation of the group.
A significant focus of the meeting was the Community Safety Fund application to deliver a countywide awareness and education programme on Coco's Law, online safety, cyberbullying and image-based abuse. If successful, the initiative aims to engage up to 15,000 participants across County Cavan through workshops, school programmes, community events and parental information sessions.
Members received an update from An Garda Síochána on ongoing school and community engagement activities, highlighting awareness presentations delivered to schools, GAA clubs and Men's Sheds. The importance of reaching parents through school induction and information evenings was also emphasised. Educational content continues to be informed by Webwise resources and tailored to the needs of individual audiences.
The Working Group also progressed plans for the Smart Free Primary School Pilot Scheme, noting that eight primary schools expressed interest in participating. An assessment team was established to select a pilot school, while members discussed opportunities to strengthen engagement with primary and post-primary school leadership. Consideration will also be given to developing a consistent countywide approach to online safety measures within school Codes of Conduct, supported by collaboration with An Garda Síochána where appropriate.
The next meeting of the Working Group is scheduled for 12 October 2026. The group will continue to advance collaborative initiatives aimed at protecting young people online, increasing awareness of Coco's Law and strengthening community safety across County Cavan.
Amanda Murray, Co-Ordinator Cavan LCSP, Inspector Lionel Mullally, AGS, Antionette Prior, Schools Liaison Officer, AGS, Sharon Ivers, Senior Youth Officer, Cavan 365 Youth Diversion Project, Foroige, Cait Fleming, Juvenile Liaison Officer, AGS, Tetiana Hrytrsk, New Communities Rep. Cavan LCSP, John Galligan, Principal, Loreto College, Cllr. Niamh Brady, Cavan County Council, Angela Fitzpatrick, Senior Executive Officer, Cavan Co. Council, Antionette Brady, Senior CFSN Coordinator, Tusla, Aileen Connolly McGettigan, HSCL Co-Ordinator, Breifne College,
Not Photographed: Emer Mulligan, Resource Officer for Suicide Prevention, HSE, Janice Niblock, Services Manager, ISPCC, Michaelle Treanor, Domestic Violence & Abuse Support Liaison Officer, Tusla, St Corrigan, Children and Young People's Service Committee Coordinator, Tusla, Pameal Armitage, CYPSC Project Support, Tusla, Dr. Aedemar Bergin, Senior Clinical Psychologist, HSE, Sean Stack, Principal, St. Pat’s College, Maureen McEntyre, Youth Development and Wellbeing Officer, CMETB.