Seán Power
Question:203 Mr. S. Power asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his plans for the increased use of closed circuit television in tackling urban crime. [23964/02]
Written Answers. - Closed Circuit Television Systems.
To date, Garda closed circuit television schemes have been introduced, as aids to policing, in Dublin North Central, Dublin South Central, Tralee and Cork city.
Subject to the availability of funds, 17 locations are also set to receive new Garda CCTV systems over the next two years. These locations are, in alphabetical order: Athlone, Ballyfermot, Bray, Carlow, Castlebar, Clondalkin, Clonmel, Dundalk, Dún Laoghaire, Ennis, Finglas, Galway, Kilkenny, Limerick, Sligo, Tallaght and Waterford. Co-funding is also a feature of Garda CCTV systems. This is usually addressed when it has been decided to install a Garda CCTV system in an area.
While I have no doubt that CCTV has made a real and positive contribution in making the streets safer for law abiding citizens, I am also conscious that the value of CCTV systems is principally as an aid to existing Garda resources. The systems must, therefore, be viewed in the context of overall policing operations and carefully planned and integrated into Garda operational procedures. Garda CCTV systems are not – nor are they intended to be – a replacement for gardaí on patrol.
The relatively new technology of CCTV has a tremendous role to play in preventing and detecting crime. It also plays an important role in reducing the fear of crime and thereby improving the quality of life of those who live and work in areas where CCTV cameras are operational.
There are also benefits to the Garda Síochána, including 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 reduction in court costs.
In relation to the 17 locations that will receive Garda systems, contracts have been placed in relation to the CCTV systems for Bray, Dundalk, Dún Laoghaire, Finglas, Galway and Limerick. Work is currently ongoing in each of these locations. It is intended that the installation of cameras will commence on completion of the planning process with the relevant local authorities and the refurbishment of rooms in the different Garda stations to accommodate the CCTV monitoring rooms and associated equipment.
Preparation of the detailed technical specification documents by the Garda authorities for the CCTV systems in Athlone, Clondalkin, Tallaght and Waterford is well advanced and these are now expected to go to tender in 2003. Planning for the installation of the CCTV systems in the remaining seven areas is also scheduled to commence in 2003.
It is not possible for the Garda Síochána to install CCTV systems in all areas that have sought them. Some applications for CCTV systems received by the advisory committee, established by the Garda Commissioner to evaluate CCTV applications, relate to relatively small schemes which, while of importance to the local community, cannot be regarded as a national Garda priority. To this end a grant scheme has been launched to facilitate community based groups who wish to install their own local CCTV system.
Grant assistance of up to €100,000 will, subject to the availability of funds, be obtainable from my Department towards the cost of such schemes. It will be up to the community groups, in conjunction with the relevant local authority, to install, maintain and monitor the community based CCTV schemes. To qualify for grant aid, certain minimum standards must be met and the Garda will have to be allowed access to grant-aided systems as and when they require it.
A prospectus has been prepared by my Department which provides information on how to apply for grant aid funding. It also outlines the application process and identifies the main issues that applicants will need to consider. Copies of the prospectus are available upon request from the Garda administration division of my Department.