Benches where people can have a chat with a garda have been set up in Arklow and in Wicklow town.
The new benches are part of an expansion of a project already in operation on the promenade in Bray.
The chats do not have to be garda-related, but if people feel uncomfortable about going to a garda station for any reason, the benches are a safe place for them to discuss any issues of concern.
A garda will be at the benches at a time announced on the Garda Síochána Wicklow Facebook page for at least an hour every week.
Superintendent Declan McCarthy said: "A garda will be present to have a chat, give advice or just say hi, and the 'Chatting Bench' provides the perfect opportunity for people to interact more with the gardaí in a neutral venue other than at a garda station."
Local councillors have welcomed the initiative, saying for some people a little bit of interaction can address loneliness and isolation.
The bench in Wicklow is located at the Black Castle, while the one in Arklow is at the Parade Ground, near the bandstand.
Wicklow Gardaí are delighted to announce the expansion of the "Chatting Bench" initiative to Arklow's St Mary’s Park. Anyone who wants to have a chat can check the Wicklow Garda Facebook page for the times Gardaí will be available for and come down for a talk.#HereToHelp pic.twitter.com/a3rZwltbqi
— Garda Info (@gardainfo) April 21, 2021
