Launching The Dublin Local Shielding Council

About SHIELDed

The European project SHIELDed aims to enhance the protection of religious institutions and religious communities in general as well as educational institutions across different member states of the European Union. The project seeks to develop targeted resilience strategies and create exchange formats that strengthen dialogue between religious communities, civil society organisations, and public authorities.

As part of the project, local dialogue platforms (Shielding Councils) will be established to identify security and action needs through regular meetings and jointly develop solutions. In addition, the project will produce tailored training programmes, policy recommendations, and a digital tool. The project commenced in May 2025 and has a total duration of three years.

What Are Local Shielding Councils?

Local Shielding Councils are inclusive dialogue forums where representatives from religious communities, security authorities, local administration, civil society, and other stakeholders come together. These councils aim to:

Strengthen local resilience
Identify and address potential risks early
Co-create sustainable safety and protection measures

Spotlight on Dublin

The Dublin Local Shielding Council has been created by Enhancing Faith Institutions (EFI) and it offers a safe, constructive space for mutual learning and collaborative problem-solving between key religious representatives from different faiths and communities across Ireland. Over the next 24 months, six in-person meetings will be held in Dublin. These sessions will contribute to a broader European dialogue and showcase Dublin’s leadership in community-centered safety and security.

Why Get Involved?

The Shielding Council will not only contribute to enhancing local safety but will also provide access to joint learning sessions, specialized training opportunities, and connection with a European-wide network of communities and experts. Our overarching goal is to create a platform where diverse voices can come together to develop practical and innovative strategies for resilience in their local contexts.

Participants benefit from:

Access to joint learning sessions and specialized training
Opportunities for collaboration and visibility
Connection to a European-wide network of experts and communities

Whether you’re active in community work, interfaith dialogue, or local governance, your insights could play a vital role in shaping effective strategies for safety and resilience.