As part of the Garda CCTV expansion programme, I recently announced the allocation of a total of £12 million towards the installation of CCTV systems nationwide over the next three years – with £4 million being allocated in 2001.
As part of the first tranche, Garda CCTV systems are to be installed in the following areas: Athlone, Bray, Clondalkin, Dundalk, Dún Laoghaire, Finglas, Galway, Limerick, Waterford and Tallaght. At least a further six areas will commence in 2003 and they will be announced in due course. It is anticipated that the ten CCTV systems referred to above will be installed in the period 2001-02.
I am informed by the Garda Authorities that tenders will soon issue for the provision of town centre CCTV systems in Bray, Dundalk, Dún Laoghaire, Finglas, Galway and Limerick. The planning, including the consultation process, for the location and operation of Garda CCTV systems for Athlone, Clondalkin, Tallaght and Waterford will commence later this year with the objective of having the systems installed and operational in 2002.
I am further informed by the Garda Authorities that a local town centre CCTV implementation committee will be established by the local chief superintendent in each area where a Garda CCTV system is to be installed. The local chief superintendent will have responsibility for overseeing the implementation of the CCTV system in his-her particular area. The composition of this committee will include representatives of the following: Garda telecommunications section who will project manage the technical aspects of the system, local crime prevention officers, ESB, local authority, Office of Public Works and local business interests. While these Garda systems will be funded by my Department, co-funding will also be a feature of them and will be addressed when detailed costings are available and before work on the installation of the CCTV systems commences.