2614. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration when the Community Safety Fund recipients for 2026 will be announced; and to outline the funding timetable. [63862/26]

First opened in 2022, the Community Safety Fund (CSF) allows the proceeds of crime seized by the Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB) and An Garda Síochána, to be redirected into local projects that support and enhance community safety.

Details on the timetable for the 2026 CSF Funding Call are outlined below:

This year’s fund, totalling €4.75 million, represents a significant increase on the initial allocation of €2 million in 2022.

The Funding Call document describes the criteria used to assess applications, including the degree to which the planned outcomes meet the goals of the scheme and its strategic objectives; the overall strength of the project proposal having regard to the planned activities; and financial management, governance, and value for money.

The guidance document can be found at the following link:

https://assets.gov.ie/static/documents/564ce32b/2026_Community_Safety_Fund_Guidance_Document_.pdf

A Selection Committee within my Department, including an independent panel member from outside the Department, will review all submitted CSF applications and assess each application in accordance with the published award criteria. Final recommendations on the award of grants will be made by the Selection Committee and submitted to me for approval. As this is a competitive grant process, applications will be assessed against the published criteria and established appraisal process.