Ireland’s Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan has announced the allocation of €4.4 million from the proceeds of crime to 42 community safety projects nationwide, marking the largest distribution yet under the Community Safety Fund.
Redirecting Crime Proceeds to Communities
The Community Safety Fund, established in 2022, channels assets seized by the Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB) and An Garda Síochána back into local communities. This year’s allocation represents a 33% increase on the €3 million awarded in 2024 and nearly doubles the number of projects supported since the fund’s inception.
Focus Areas of 2025 Funding
The 42 successful projects span a wide range of initiatives, including:
- Domestic, sexual and gender-based violence (DSGBV) prevention
- Countering drug-related intimidation
- Addiction recovery and substance misuse programmes
- Violence reduction and restorative justice approaches
- Youth engagement and offender reintegration
- Support for minority and marginalised groups
One of the flagship recipients is the YMCA Dublin, which will receive €142,500 for its Community Wellbeing and Safety Initiative. The project will engage vulnerable youth in Dublin 2, 8, and 13 through outreach, relationship-building, and community-led safety responses.
Ministerial Commitment
Minister O’Callaghan described the fund as “an important and effective element in achieving stronger, safer communities,” highlighting how law enforcement efforts not only disrupt criminal activity but also directly reinvest in public safety. He confirmed that funding will rise again in 2026 to €4.75 million, reflecting the programme’s growing impact.
National Oversight and Local Partnerships
The National Office for Community Safety oversees the fund and provides training and guidance to emerging Local Community Safety Partnerships. These partnerships will play a key role in tailoring safety initiatives to local needs through Community Safety Plans.
Gráinne Berrill, Director of the National Office, said the record number of applications in 2025 demonstrated the fund’s value, adding that aligning projects with local partnerships will “further enhance the impact of the Fund for local communities.”
Conclusion
The €4.4 million allocation underscores the government’s strategy of turning the proceeds of crime into positive community investment. By supporting projects that tackle violence, drug intimidation, and social exclusion, the initiative aims to strengthen trust, resilience, and safety across Ireland’s towns and cities.
Sources: Gov.ie; Connaught Telegraph.
