Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 10 Oct 2001

Vol. 541 No. 5

Written Answers. - Closed Circuit Television Systems.

Seán Power

Question:

246 Mr. Power asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views of the use of closed circuit television as a vital tool in the fight against crime; the plans he has to increase the use of closed circuit television particularly in urban areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23385/01]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. O'Donoghue):

Garda CCTV systems are currently in operation in the north of Dublin city centre, O'Connell Street and its surrounding areas, in the south of the city centre, around Grafton Street and in Tralee, County Kerry. A Garda CCTV system is currently being installed in Cork city.

The use of high technology cameras in combination with additional Garda personnel resources has had a significant effect in making urban centres safer places. I think, however, that it would be wrong to assume that the installation of CCTV systems will solve all policing problems. Garda CCTV systems are an aid to existing resources and, as such, must be viewed in the context of overall policing operations and carefully planned and integrated into Garda operational procedures. CCTV systems are not a replacement for uniformed gardaí on patrol.

Benefits of CCTV systems to the Garda Síochána include more effective management of resources, detection of events as they occur and filmed evidence of events. Video evidence may also lead to guilty pleas and consequent reductions in court costs. The level of success of CCTV can be gauged by the number of communities which have sought the introduction of Garda CCTV systems. In this regard, the advisory committee established by the Garda Commissioner to evaluate CCTV applications has received in excess of 50 applications and expressions of interest for the installation of Garda CCTV systems.

I announced an expansion of Garda CCTV systems last year. As part of the first tranche, systems will be installed in Athlone, Bray, Clondalkin, Dundalk, Dún Laoghaire, Finglas, Galway, Limerick, Waterford and Tallaght. It is anticipated that these ten CCTV systems will be installed by the end of 2002. Systems will be in place in at least six more areas by 2003 and they will be announced in due course. Co-funding is also a feature of Garda CCTV systems and will be addressed when detailed costings are available. Tenders have been received and are currently being evaluated in respect of town centre CCTV systems for Bray, Dundalk, Dún Laoghaire, Finglas, Galway and Limerick. It is intended to seek tenders for Athlone, Clondalkin, Waterford and Tallaght by the end of the year.

Some applications for CCTV systems that have been received by the advisory committee relate to relatively small schemes which, while of importance to the local community, cannot be regarded as a national Garda priority. I have given careful consideration to how assistance can be provided to areas which are not rated as a high level Garda priority. I plan to introduce a grant scheme to cater for communities which would like to press ahead independently with a local CCTV system. While it will be up to local interests to install and monitor the CCTV schemes, grant assistance will be provided. To qualify for grant aid, certain minimum standards will have to be met and the Garda will have to be allowed access to the system when and as they require it. Local authorities will have an important role to play. The details of this new scheme are currently being finalised and full details of the scheme including relevant conditions and grant levels will be announced soon.