The Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, Jim O’Callaghan, has officially launched the Private Security Authority (PSA) Strategic Plan 2026–2028, outlining a comprehensive roadmap to modernise Ireland's private security sector over the next three years.
Speaking at the launch at the Department of Justice, Minister O’Callaghan emphasised that the new strategy marks a pivotal shift toward leveraging technology and strengthening regulatory standards to better protect the public.
"The private security industry plays an integral role in protecting the public, ensuring personal safety and assisting in crime prevention across the country," Minister O’Callaghan said. "Over the next three years, the Private Security Authority aims to continue to streamline and improve practices by working in partnership with the industry to strengthen competence and improve standards."
The 2026–2028 Plan is built upon four primary goals: Modernisation, Reporting, Resources, and Leadership/Collaboration.
A central theme of the new strategy is the adoption of advanced technology. The PSA has committed to examining ICT and Artificial Intelligence (AI) solutions to better target inspections and streamline its internal processes. This digital transformation aims to maximise operational efficiency, making it harder for unlicensed operators to evade detection while simplifying compliance for legitimate businesses.
Key initiatives include:
Expansion of Licensing: Extending regulation to new sectors within the industry.
Enhanced Enforcement: A crackdown on unlicensed providers through sharper, intelligence-led inspection targeting.
Public Awareness: A new communications strategy designed to educate the public on the risks of hiring unlicensed security personnel.
Multi-Agency Cooperation: Increased participation in joint inspections with other state agencies to ensure broad compliance.
PSA Chairperson Jillian van Turnhout described the plan as a turning point for the regulator, which has now been in operation for over two decades.
"This plan represents the PSA's transition from establishment to consolidation," van Turnhout stated.
"Our priorities are clear: strengthen regulatory effectiveness, ensure compliance, build public confidence through enhanced communications, and advance professional standards in partnership with industry."
John Phelan, Chief Executive of the PSA, highlighted the progress made since the Authority's establishment 21 years ago. He noted that the next three years would focus on "sharpening inspection targeting" and improving the experience for license holders.
"There needs to be greater public awareness of the risks associated with unlicensed providers and the importance of using only licensed providers of security services," Phelan cautioned. "We will ensure compliance by continuing to take enforcement action against unlicensed providers."
