Sean Fleming
Question:258 Mr. Fleming asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding the submission for closed circuit television for Portlaoise; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7001/02]
Written Answers. - Closed Circuit Television Systems.
I am informed by the Garda that an application for a Garda CCTV system in Portlaoise town has been received by the advisory committee established by the Garda Commissioner to evaluate applications for Garda CCTV systems. The application from Portlaoise is currently under consideration, together with applications from other cities and towns throughout the country.
Garda CCTV systems are currently in operation in the following areas:
Dublin (North Central) – O'Connell Street and its surrounding areas;
Dublin (South Central) – Grafton Street and its surrounding areas;
Tralee, County Kerry.
A Garda CCTV system is currently being installed in Cork City and I understand that most of its cameras are now fully operational.
I announced late in 2000 that the number of Garda CCTV systems was to be increased. As part of the first tranche of this expansion, CCTV systems are to 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. At least six more areas will see installation commence in 2003 and they will be announced in due course.
I am conscious that some applications for CCTV systems 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. To this end, I plan to introduce a grant scheme soon to cater for those communities who would like to press ahead on their own with a local CCTV system. While it will be up to the 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 as and when required. 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.