Funding for Louth projects from Community Safety Innovation Fund

Four projects in Louth are to benefit from funding from the Department of Justice’s Community Safety Innovation Fund, to help improve safety in their communities, it was announced on Monday.

Grants have been awarded under this fund to organisations or community groups that have innovative proposals to improve community safety and have not been able to access other sources of funding.

Funding has been allocated in Louth for the Building Community Resilience project by the Connect Family Resource Centre; the Trauma in the Community project by Family Addiction Support Network CLG; the Finding Safety Project by Drogheda Women & Children’s Refuge; and the Thrive Together project by Foroige's Cable Project.

Funding for the projects is being provided through grants from the overall €3.75m Community Safety Innovation Fund.

The Community Safety Innovation Fund was announced in April 2021 by Minister for Justice Helen McEntee and Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform Michael McGrath.

The Fund includes money seized by An Garda Síochána and the Criminal Assets Bureau from the ill-gotten gains of criminals.

Under Budget 2024, €7.9m will be allocated towards community safety initiatives across the country, including €3.75m for the Community Safety Innovation Fund, which is an increase of almost €1 million on last year.

Some of the themes focused on by this year’s successful applicants include projects aimed at reducing anti-social behaviour, improving feelings of safety in the community, supporting victims of sexual and domestic violence, promoting pro-social behaviour through education and sport and supporting those experiencing drug-related intimidation.

News of the funding has been welcomed by Senator Erin McGreehan, who commented that "I am pleased that money seized from the gains of criminals is being invested in local projects here in Louth to proactively address safety concerns and build stronger, safer communities.

"Each of the four projects in Louth that received funding will make a difference and help make our communities safer. I will continue to do all I can to help make our local areas safe and welcoming for all and I hope this Fund will continue to grow into the future.”