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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 16 Apr 1997

Vol. 477 No. 6

Written Answers. - Garda CCTV Systems.

Theresa Ahearn

Question:

98 Mrs. T. Ahearn asked the Minister for Justice if she will nominate Clonmel as a pilot area for closed circuit television in the rural fight against crime; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10116/97]

I am not aware of an application in respect of Clonmel for the installation of a Garda CCTV system.

The CCTV schemes currently sanctioned for funding by my Department are the Temple Bar scheme, which has been operational since October, 1995, O'Connell Street, Dublin, the first phase of which became operational on 11 April 1997, and Finglas. Work on the O'Connell Street system is expected to be completed shortly. Preliminary work has commenced on the Tralee and Finglas systems.

An advisory committee has been established by the Garda Commissioner, comprising higher officers in the Garda Síochána and an official from my Department, to examine all applications and proposals for CCTV systems as an aid to policing. I am informed that to date applications have been received in respect of over twenty locations for the installation of CCTV schemes and that these will be considered by the advisory committee with a view to determining priority.

The Deputy may wish to note that funding of CCTV systems is on a shared partnership arrangement with local business-community interests. However, the capacity or otherwise of local business-community interests to provide funding will not be the sole criteria in determining whether State funding should be allocated to these schemes. The Deputy should also note that the stimulus for these schemes has come from Chambers — Business Associations — Community Councils etc. She may wish to pass this information on to local organisations in Clonmel so that they can consider planning a scheme for application.

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