Minister Canney encourages community groups to apply for €4.75 million Community Safety Fund
Seán Canney TD, Minister of State for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports and Leader in Cabinet of the Independent Ministers, is encouraging community groups across the country to consider applying to the 2026 Community Safety Fund, which has opened for applications with €4.75 million available.
The annual fund uses proceeds of crime seized by the Criminal Assets Bureau and An Garda Síochána to support practical, on-the-ground projects that make communities safer.
Minister Canney said: “It’s really important that funding like this gets into communities where it can make a real difference. This is about taking money that was gained through crime and putting it back into positive, local initiatives that support people and improve safety.
“I’d strongly encourage community groups, organisations and partnerships to look at this fund. We know there are great ideas out there – projects that can reduce the fear of crime, support young people, and strengthen communities – and this funding can help bring those ideas to life.”
The 2026 fund represents a significant increase on previous years, up almost 58% from the €2 million initially allocated when the scheme first launched, and will support projects right across the country.
Grants under the scheme range from €20,000 to €150,000 and are open to community organisations, local authority-led initiatives, NGOs and partnerships working on community safety and youth justice. Applications can be made by individual organisations or by groups working together, with a lead community or not-for-profit partner.
Projects supported in recent years have focused on reducing the fear of crime, building stronger and more resilient communities, diverting people away from criminal behaviour, and tackling reoffending. Since the fund began, 127 projects have received support nationwide.
“This fund is a really positive example of that approach in action, and I’d encourage anyone with a strong proposal to put it forward.”
Applications are open from 13 April and will close at 5pm on 18 May 2026.
Full details on how to apply, including application forms and guidance, are available at www.gov.ie/communitysafety.