Community groups can now apply for proceeds of crime cash for local projects

The Minister for Justice, Helen McEntee TD, has today opened applications for a new fund which will see the proceeds of crime re-invested in local projects to improve community safety.

The Community Safety Innovation Fund, which is expected to grow in the coming years, will have an initial outlay of €2m for this year.

It is anticipated that the kind of projects which may be supported will include activities intended to:

· tackle crime or reduce the fear of crime; improve community safety and feelings of safety;

· support the creation of safe and resilient communities;

· reduce reoffending; or

· divert vulnerable individuals away from engagement in criminal behaviour.

“An Garda Síochána and the Criminal Assets Bureau have achieved significant success in seizing the ill-gotten gains of criminal gangs who seek to inflict misery on so many communities," said Minister McEntee.

Since its establishment, CAB has denied and deprived criminals in excess of approximately €199m.

“This new fund will ensure that the success of An Garda Síochána and CAB is reflected in new investments in our communities, and on projects which will build strong and safe communities.

“Community Safety is about people being safe and, just as importantly, feeling safe within their communities. This, of course, goes beyond policing alone.

“This fund will ensure that the best proposals get the funding they need, and it will encourage the development of innovative ways in which to improve community safety from those people who understand local needs best.

“For example, the new fund could help communities improve public spaces, or fund local sporting or arts facilities.”

The Fund is open to bodies involved in community safety and will support them in addressing local needs and opportunities for innovation not provided for in other funds managed by Departments and agencies. The call for applications for the Fund runs from 6 April until 8 June 2022 and grants will range from €20,000 to €150,000.

Completed Application Forms are to be returned by 5 pm on 8 June 2022 to CommunitySafetyInnovationFund@justice.ie.

For more information visit https://www.justice.ie/en/JELR/Pages/CSI-Fund-2022.

The open call for Community Safety Innovation Funding runs from 6 April 2022 to – 8 June 2022. €2 million has been made available to support the development of community safety through innovative, local community based initiatives.

Applications will be assessed against stated criteria outlined in the call for proposals to ensure funding is allocated to encourage the development of innovative ways in which to improve community safety from those people who understand local community safety needs best.

It is planned that funding will be allocated via a process similar to that successfully used at present to distribute Dormant Accounts Funding.

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