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Creating Safer Communities from the Proceeds of Crime - €4.75m Community Safety Fund Opens

Written by Aoíbhann De Búrca Quinlavan | 20 April 2026
Cllr John Stephens welcomes the opening of the 2026 Community Safety Fund, saying the proceeds of crime should be reinvested directly into Dublin Central to strengthen communities and continue improving safety.The Fianna Fáil candidate for Dublin Central said the fund shows how money seized from criminal activity can be put to work in building a safer community locally.The €4.75 million fund, announced by Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan, is funded through assets seized by the Criminal Assets Bureau and An Garda Síochána. It will support projects aimed at reducing crime, improving safety, and diverting people away from criminal behaviour.

Cllr Stephens said the fund builds on progress already visible in Dublin Central:

“My campaign is about making Dublin Central a safer, better place to live. We are all seeing the progress on the ground, with more Gardaí on the streets and a stronger presence in the community.

But we need to keep that momentum going. This fund means that money taken from criminal activity is put to use to improve our community.

The Community Safety Fund is our chance to support youth services, improve safety within our community, and back the organisations already doing great work on the ground.”

The Fund supports initiatives that reduce the fear of crime, build local resilience, reduce reoffending, and help vulnerable individuals move away from criminal activity. Since 2022, 127 projects nationwide have received funding.

Cllr Stephens is urging groups and organisations to apply before the 18 May deadline:

“There are organisations right across Dublin Central doing great work every day, and this funding can help them keep going and reach more people.

My priority now is making sure community groups across Dublin Central can access this funding and put it to good use.”

Applications are open until 5pm on 18 May 2026, with grants ranging from €20,000 to €150,000.

ENDS