Charity under Garda probe received over €2 million in state employment funds
Liberties Recycling, a charity now being investigated by the Gardaí for money-laundering, has been paid more than €2 million by the Department of Social Protection’s community-employment scheme since 2020.
Gardaí have opened a money-laundering probe into Liberties Recycling Training and Development company, a charity that operates nine shops and 180 recycling banks nationwide. Records reveal the charity has been funded through the Department of Social Protection’s community-employment scheme, receiving €487,213 in 2024, €416,201 in 2023, €377,154 in 2022, €405,106 in 2021 and €517,772 in 2020, totalling over €2 million since the decade began.
The Charities Regulator confirmed it is engaging with the charity’s trustees but will not comment further while the investigation proceeds. Liberties Recycling, chaired by former Sinn Féin TD Aengus Ó Snodaigh and run by chief executive Philip Moloney, offers training and jobs to people recovering from drug addiction. Its annual accounts show a deficit of €347,632 in 2024, with €3.63 million in income and €3.98 million in expenditure. The Department of Social Protection says it audits the programme annually and will continue to ensure funds are used for the intended rehabilitation purpose.
Why it matters
Public funds are being scrutinised after a charity linked to a money-laundering probe received substantial state money.
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