South East Technological University (SETU), in collaboration with Carlow County Council, welcomes the announcement of €142,500 funding for a new Bystander Intervention Training Project, to be rolled out in schools across Carlow town and county.
The announcement comes at the beginning of the annual 16 Days of Activism again Gender-based Violence, an annual campaign by the United Nations running from 25 November to 10 December 2025.
The programme is supported by the Community Safety Fund 2025 which oversees the re-introduction of proceeds from the Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB) and An Garda Siochana back into communities.
Making the announcement on 30 October, Minister for Justice Minister O’Callaghan stated, “The Community Safety Fund is an important and effective element in achieving stronger, safer communities. It ensures that the proceeds of crime seized by CAB and An Garda Síochána are re-invested back into communities to enhance safety and security in those communities.”
Commenting on the project, Dr Allison Keneally, Vice President of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion at SETU, said “The Intervention Training project is an innovative collaborative approach to raising awareness of intervention which is a form of helping that occurs when onlookers intercede to provide direct or indirect aid. This project involves educational, statutory, and community groups throughout Carlow.”
Speaking following the announcement, Róisín Shanahan, Sexual Violence and Harassment (SVH), Prevention and Response Manager at SETU said, “The SVH Support Unit is delighted to partner with Carlow County Council for this important project. The Bystander Intervention project takes a collaborative, research led approach to increasing awareness and providing education aimed at transition year students (ages 15 to 19) in secondary schools and ETBs, to promote a safe, respectful, and supportive culture and to creating safer spaces for us all.”
Cllr Ken Murnane, Cathaoirleach of Carlow County Council, said “This initiative reflects our shared commitment to building a safer and more respectful community in Carlow. By empowering young people with the skills and confidence to intervene safely, we are helping to foster a culture where support, respect, and responsibility become the norm. I am proud to see our schools and partners take a proactive role in shaping a safer future for our young people.”
Coilín O’Reilly, Chief Executive, Carlow County Council, said “Collaboration is at the heart of effective community safety, and this programme demonstrates the powerful impact of partnership between education and local government. By working directly with students to co-design solutions, we are ensuring young people are equipped to challenge inappropriate behaviour and contribute to a culture of safety and dignity across Carlow. This project strengthens not only our schools, but our entire community.”
The Bystander Intervention Training project is supported by statutory and community partners. It will raise awareness and educate key community groups across Carlow to create a safe, respectful, positive, and supportive culture in the community.
Photo caption: L-R, Barry Knowles, Senior Executive Officer (Carlow County Council); Róisín Shanahan, Sexual Violence and Harassment Prevention and Response Manager (SETU); Cllr Paul Doogue, Mayor Municipal District of Carlow; Dr Allison Kenneally, Vice President of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (SETU), Donna Humphreys, Community Safety Partnership Administrator; and Laura Kelly, Acting Community Safety Partnership Coordinator.