Proceeds of crime fund new role for former Laois Offaly Crime Prevention Officer
The appointment reflects Muintir na Tíre’s ongoing commitment to supporting safer, stronger and more connected communities
Seized criminal assets will fund a new ‘Community Safety Toolkit’ being developed by former Laois Offaly Garda Crime Prevention Officer Graham Kavanagh in his new role with Muintir na Tíre.
Muintir na Tíre is an association for the promotion of community development in Ireland. It founded Community Alert in response to rural crime in 1984. Community Alert now operates in partnership with An Garda Síochána across 1,400 community groups nationwide.
Former Garda Sergeant Graham Kavanagh as its new ‘Community Safety Toolkit’ Research and Development Officer.
The new ‘Community Safety Toolkit’ is being developed to enable communities across Ireland to identify local safety issues and empower them to build safer, more connected communities.
A familiar face in towns and villages across Laois and Offaly, Graham joins the national organisation following more than 30 years of dedicated service with An Garda Síochána. Throughout his career, he worked closely with communities garnering extensive experience in crime prevention, community safety and rural community engagement. His appointment brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to Muintir na Tíre as the organisation continues its work to support communities across Ireland and strengthen local responses to community safety challenges.
“I am honoured to join Muintir na Tíre and to continue working in support of communities across Ireland. Throughout my career, I have seen first-hand the positive impact that local people, volunteers and community organisations can have when they work together. Muintir na Tíre has a proud history of empowering communities, particularly through Community Alert, and I look forward to contributing to that important work,” Graham said following his appointment.
CEO of Muintir na Tíre, Rosie Palmer, said: “We are delighted to have Graham joining Muintir na Tíre. He brings decades of experience working directly with communities and has a deep understanding of the issues that matter most to people at local level. His practical knowledge of community safety, partnership and rural communities will be a huge asset to our organisation and to the communities we serve.”
The new role is funded through the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration Community Safety Fund of which Muintir Na Tíre was a successful recipient in 2025 to deliver the “Community Safety Toolkit”.
The Community Safety Fund is an annual grant fund which allows for the proceeds of crime, seized by the Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB) and An Garda Síochána, to be directed back into communities, in order to fund innovative local projects aimed at building stronger, safer communities.
National President of Muintir Na Tíre, Patsy McLean also welcomed Graham to the role; “For many years, Graham worked closely with Community Alert groups and community organisations across the country, building trusted relationships and supporting local people to make their communities safer. As Muintir na Tíre continues to expand its work in community safety, research and development, his knowledge and experience will be invaluable. On behalf of our Board, members and volunteers nationwide, I am delighted to welcome Graham to the team and wish him every success in his new role”
The appointment reflects Muintir na Tíre’s ongoing commitment to supporting safer, stronger and more connected communities and to developing practical solutions that respond to the needs of people and places throughout Ireland.