Waterford will receive over €132,000 from the Community Safety Fund for a new Traveller Community Safety Educational Project.

Funding from the Proceeds of Crime

Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration Jim O’Callaghan TD announced the funding as part of a €4.4 million national allocation. The Community Safety Fund directs the proceeds of crime, seized by the Criminal Assets Bureau and An Garda Síochána, back into local communities to improve safety and security.

Minister O’Callaghan said the fund plays a vital role in building “stronger, safer communities” and ensures that resources taken from criminal activity are reinvested in public good.

Focus on Traveller Community Safety

The Waterford project will establish a dedicated Traveller Community Safety liaison, who will lead initiatives on road safety, animal care, and community awareness.

According to Seamus De Faoite, Director of Services for Housing, Community and Emergency Services at Waterford City and County Council, the project arose from “active and constructive relationships between Travellers and the Waterford Local Community Safety Partnership (WLCSP)” through ongoing engagement on local safety issues.

Collaboration Across Agencies

The initiative involves WLCSP, Waterford City and County Council, local Gardaí, veterinary experts, and community partners. Together, they will provide workshops and demonstrations across six locations in Waterford starting in 2026. The sessions will focus on accident prevention, animal welfare, compliance, and road safety.

Mr. De Faoite said the programme aims to strengthen trust between the Traveller community and partner organisations while improving awareness of community safety.

Building on Previous Success

The WLCSP has already delivered several community safety projects in Waterford, including initiatives tackling domestic, sexual, and gender-based violence, anti-social behaviour, drug issues, and youth safety.

The partnership, a three-year pilot, will hold its first meeting under the Policing, Security and Community Safety Act 2024 later this week.

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