TD for Dublin Mid-West, Mark Ward has criticised the government for failing to invest money seized by the Criminal Assets Bureau back into the communities where they came from. Speaking after raising this issue with Minister McGrath recently, Deputy Ward highlighted why these funds need to be given to the organisations that need it most. Not one organisation from Dublin Mid-West received funding
Teachta Ward said “No community organisation in Dublin Mid-West was chosen for funding from the Community Safety Innovation Fund. “The government had an opportunity to invest in our communities but once again they are leaving them behind. “This fund was set up to return money seized by CAB into communities that have been most affected by crime. “As a TD for the Dublin Mid-West area, I know the devastation that criminals have brought to working class communities right across Dublin and beyond.
“Parts of my area have been ripped apart by criminals and drug use. “They shamelessly exploit the vulnerability and naivety of youth, and pressurise otherwise good people to make life-changing bad choices. “This is why I brought the Proceeds of Crime (Investment in Disadvantaged Communities) (Amendment) Bill 2021 before the Oireachtas, which passed the second stage in July last year. “The Community Safety Innovation fund was the government’s response to this, but it is not prioritising the communities most affected by crime. “Not one organisation from Dublin Mid-West received funding
“I have written to the Minister and requested a full breakdown of where this money was spent. “I do welcome that the fund will be increased from €2 million to €3 million but this is still not enough given that €11 million was seized by CAB last year. “If Dublin Mid-West is anything to go by, organisations that help to keep people out of crime and provide opportunity for our young people will be left behind once again. “How can areas build resilience to crime if they are not resourced properly? “Government needs to get this right or it will be another missed opportunity.”
