Drogheda has suffered seriously from the activities of criminals but today the long awaited “Proceeds of Crime” fund was opened and it is to be hoped that local organisations working to offset the damage to local communities will benefit.
Earlier today Minister for Justice, Helen McEntee TD, 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.
The Minister said:
“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.
“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.
