Money seized from criminals by CAB to be invested in four Longford projects

Four Longford projects are set to benefit from grants ranging from €27,000 to €183,000 which have been awarded to organisations and community groups that have made proposals to improve community safety.

The aim of the fund is to allow the proceeds of crime, seized by the Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB) and An Garda Síochána, to be directed into local community safety projects

Justice Minister Helen McEntee confirmed today funding allocations of just over €3 million nationally are being distributed to 33 projects through the Community Safety Fund.

The four organisations which will benefit are Longford Women’s Link, which is a Longford interagency response to the risk of domestic violence homicide in rural Ireland.

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The body focuses on developing communication strategies and interagency Standard Operating Procedures to mitigate domestic violence risks in rural Ireland.

The second organisation to benefit are Longford Local Community Safety Partnership.

The body strives to build safer communities in Longford by focusing on sports, outdoor activities, and skill development to tackle anti-social behaviour and support disadvantaged communities.

The third local organisation that will receive funding are Longford Local Community Safety Partnership.

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They try to change perceptions and empower communities in Longford by targeting personal and community safety concerns in Longford through five projects, focusing on older adults, minority groups, and residents of disadvantaged areas.

The fourth organisation to receive funding is Foróige Longford Safe Futures and their 'Safe Futures' project, which aims to enhance community safety through the development of a youth focused programme that empowers young people.

She stated the aim of the fund is to allow the proceeds of crime, seized by the Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB) and An Garda Síochána, to be directed into local community safety projects.

“At the heart of our approach to community safety is the principle that every community has the right to thrive and flourish," she said. "This funding will help the people who best understand the safety needs of their community to develop proposals to make a real positive difference."

Minister McEntee outlined the successful projects have demonstrated their understanding of the safety needs in their community and put forward strong proposals which she believes will lead to improved safety in their areas.

“An Garda Síochána and the Criminal Assets Bureau have had continued success in disrupting the activities of criminals by seizing their ill-gotten gains," she said. "Putting this money back into the community is a real way to show that the efforts of law enforcement can directly contribute to making people feel safer."

Minister McEntee stated she has ensured that under Budget 2025, the Community Safety Fund will be increasing to €4 million.

"Some themes of this year’s successful applicants include projects aimed at addressing anti-social behaviour, domestic violence, drug-related intimidation, safety on public transport, social exclusion, youth programmes, prison post-release support and more," she said. "Many of the projects will focus on the use of education, sport, recreation, and social interaction to proactively address safety concerns in communities."