€80k funding announced for Louth organisations to support victims of crime

Three Louth organisations are to receive funding to support victims of crime, it has been announced today by Minister for Justice, Simon Harris TD.

It forms part of funding totalling €5.25m announced today, for more than 65 organisations to support victims of crime nationally.

In Louth, the three organisations receiving the funding are Women's Aid Dundalk, which is to receive €31,500; Dundalk Counselling Service, which is to receive €32,802; and Drogheda Women's Refuge, which is to receive €15,750.

There is an increased budget of €5.8m allocated to the Department of Justice specifically for victims of crime in 2023, and the remaining funding will be made available later in the year once further service need assessments have been completed.

Last October, the Department invited applications for funding from registered charities, voluntary community groups, and other organisations which provide services – or plan to provide services – supporting victims in the criminal justice system.

Applicants included organisations that provide support, information and advice on the rights of victims, outreach work, court accompaniment and crime victim helplines.

Funding is given to organisations that meet the objectives and that can show they have the required management and compliance policies and procedures in place.

Making the announcement today, Minister Harris said, “the work of so many organisations across the country that help victims of crime is outstanding, and I’m delighted to provide this funding to help ensure these services are available to all victims who need them, to a consistently high standard, and throughout the State.

“We recognise the significant difficulties faced by many through increased costs and inflation. Where organisations sought an increase on last year’s funding, they have been granted a 5pc cost-of-living increase, at a minimum.

“We are committed to building a victim-centred criminal justice system and, in general terms, this funding will increase the organisations’ ability to provide supports and services as victims engage.”