Funding boost announced for two community safety projects in Waterford

Almost €200,000 in funding has been allocated for two projects which are being led by the Waterford Local Community Safety Partnership.

More than 30 projects across the country received funding under Under the Community Safety Fund, which is backed by the Department of Justice.

The 'Getting Kilcohan Back on Track' project has been allocated €70,768 while the Safehub Waterford Pilot project, secured €125,700.

Welcoming the allocating of funding for the two local projects, Sean Aylward, Chairperson of the Waterford Local Community Safety Partnership, said it will help members of the Partnership, guided by the people who best understand the safety needs of their community, to implement proposals to make a real positive difference. "I believe both these projects will lead to improved safety in Waterford," he stated.

Mr Aylward added: "These funds, the proceeds of crime, seized by the Criminal Assets Bureau and An Garda Síochána, will make a real difference in the heart of our communities, in response to community led proposals to improve community safety."

Proposal by WLCSP, in collaboration with Treo Port Lairge and An Garda Siochána, the 'Getting Kilcohan Back on Track' project involves an eight-week educational program which targets anti-social behaviour related to e-scooters, e-bikes, and scramblers, focusing on road safety and responsible usage

It is intended to educate participants on the dangers of unsafe modifications and reckless driving in communities, and the life changing injuries that can occur, amongst other life-learning skills.

Danny Murphy, CEO Treo Port Lairge said, "Treo Port Lairge is delighted to be a collaborative partner of WLCSP in this successful project fund application and we hope to make our roads and communities safer for all to commute."

He went on to outline how "this new initiative provides a comprehensive programme to raise awareness about the benefits and safe usage of e-scooters, e-bikes, and motorcycles on our roads by educating a target group through awareness of road safety measures and the benefits of safe practices."

During this programme, the participants will engage with the Road Safety Authority, in addition to workshops with former 15-time Irish Champion and competing world motorbike racer, Hilton Hincks.

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The Safehub Waterford Pilot project was granted €125,700 in funding to examine if personal safety and protection can be increased in the city by using a newly developed SafeHub App.

This innovative safety solution has been developed on a mobile App, having previously been successfully trialled in a college campus environment. It is now proposed to trial as a potential solution to increasing the feeling of safety in Waterford City, identified in the WLCSP Community Safety Action Plan.

Waterford was one of the three pilot locations for the Community Safety Partnership concept, which are now being implemented nationwide by the Policing, Security and Community Safety Act 2024.

The WLCSP is based within the Community Department in Waterford City and County Council.