Applications now open in Dublin for Community Safety Fund

Local community safety initiatives in Dublin can now apply for 2024 round of the Community Safety Fund, which reinvests proceeds of crime seized by the Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB) back into local communities, a Fine Gael Minister has said.

Minister of State for Business, Employment and Retail, Emer Higgins said: “Dublin community projects, chosen for their work on issues relevant to community safety and youth justice, could receive grants ranging from €20,000 - €150,000 under the Community Safety Fund this year.

“I really want to credit local Fine Gael Councillor Kenneth Egan with coming up with this initiative. “It’s an innovative means of redirecting funds back into our communities, while highlighting the work undertaken by An Garda Síochána and the Criminal Assets Bureau to seize proceeds from criminal activity.

“Minister for Justice Helen McEntee has announced this week that the fund will be increased to €3.75 million, due to its success in previous years. “Fine Gael are committed to creating safer streets and stronger communities, and we are always looking at new ways to tackle crime or reduce the fear of crime.

“Quality of life is significant improved when people feel safe in their communities. Local people here in Dublin have the greatest understanding of what is impacting us and are best equipped to help combat these issues in our community.

“The funding call is open from 30th May to 26th July 2024. Applications are invited from community safety and youth justice initiatives, either from individual organisations or groups led by community organisations, not-for-profits, or social enterprises, with a preference for innovative approaches.

“Those who have benefitted in previous year are invited to reapply, as long as they provide evidence of strong outputs from their previous projects.

“Further information on applying is available on the Gov.ie website. I would love to see Dublin benefit as much as possible from this funding, and so I encourage all organisations or projects that fit the criteria to apply,” Minister concluded.