James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for raising the question. As he will be aware, the Department opened applications for the new community safety innovation fund on 11 April. Reflecting the success of An Garda Síochána and the Criminal Assets Bureau, CAB, in identifying and seizing proceeds from criminal activity, the new fund will use money seized from the proceeds of crime to support investment in innovative community safety projects. The fund, which is expected to grow in the coming years, will have an initial outlay of €2 million for this year and will be subject to a robust evaluation at the end of the first year to inform future decisions. The intention is that bids for further allocations will be part of the normal budgetary process.

It is anticipated that the type of projects which may be supported will include new additional activities not already covered by existing funding streams. These will be intended to tackle crime or reduce the fear of crime, improve community safety, support the creation of safe and resilient communities, and reduce re-offending or divert vulnerable individuals away from engagement in criminal behaviour. The fund will ensure that the success of An Garda Síochána and CAB is reflected back into new investments in our communities and on projects that 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. The fund will ensure the best proposals get the funding they need and will encourage the development of innovative ways in which to improve community safety from those people who understand local needs best. The development of innovative ideas will also allow best practice on community safety and youth justice to be shared with other partnerships and communities nationally as new proposals are developed.

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 through other funds managed by Departments and agencies. The call for applications for the fund runs from 11 April until 8 June 2022 and grants will range from €20,000 to €150,000. An information webinar will be held at 4 p.m. on 30 May to provide information for potential applicants to the scheme. If the Deputy is aware of any suitable projects, I would urge him to encourage them to apply for funding. Completed application forms are to be returned by 5 p.m. on 8 June 2022 to a dedicated email address, which is CommunitySafetyInnovationFund@justice.ie. Further information is available on the Department's website.

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