Cash seized by Gardaí will now be used to fund safety projects

The proceeds of crime will be used to fund community safety projects under a new Government initiative, Fine Gael TD Neale Richmond has said.

“Today’s announcement that the proceeds of crime seized by state agencies will be channelled into community safety programmes is a hugely positive step in making communities safer all across Ireland,” he said.

“Earlier this year I submitted a Private Members Motion to Dáil Eireann calling on the Government to legislate for the ring-fencing of seized cash, and after working closely with Minister McEntee on this I am happy to see the Community Safety Innovation Fund take shape.”

Cash that has been seized by Gardaí has risen in recent years with the majority of the monies seized usually returned to the exchequer.

However, under the new plan a Community Safety Innovation Fund will be established where communities affected by crime will be allocated funds to help tackle criminal behaviour.

“This is truly a community led programme that will allow those who know the area best to work together to make it a safer place for all residents,” Deputy Richmond said.

Three pilot Community Safety Partnerships are being established in Longford, Waterford and Dublin’s north inner city, after which partnerships will be established in every local authority.

“Organised crime has had a hugely detrimental impact on communities all over Ireland, tearing families apart and causing irreparable damage.

“While our Gardai and the Criminal Assets Bureau do stellar work in ensuring that crime does not pay, this is a crucial step in preventing young people from turning to crime in the first instance.

“Through this programme, we are not only reaffirming our commitment to supporting communities that have been devastated by organised crime, but we are also protecting generations to come,” Deputy Richmond said.