I welcome the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Deputy Alex White.
Commencement Matters
North-South Interconnector
I thank the Minister for coming into the House to take this Commencement matter.
The issue of the North-South interconnector is one I and other Senators and Deputies have raised in the past few years. The North-South interconnector planning application by EirGrid is poised to have a huge detrimental impact all across the north east. As the Minister is aware, it is a project that carries major public concerns, as evidenced by the large number of objections received by An Bord Pleanála. The people of counties Cavan, Monaghan and Meath have made their position very clear on the North-South interconnector and how the construction of over 400 pylons carrying 400,000 volts of electricity should be abandoned in favour of undergrounding. Through the north-east pylon pressure campaign, the Monaghan anti-pylon committee and other community organisations, the people living these areas have found their voice. They have given a resounding "No" to high-voltage overhead power lines supported by pylons running through their communities, beside their houses and through their lands. Their concerns are very real and should be addressed by the Government and EirGrid. There are genuine worries about health, the environment, the landscape, the economic development of the areas concerned and many more. The communities concerned have outlined their position over a number of years and that position is that this project should be undergrounded. Report after report, including one published by the Government-appointed international expert commission, has proved that undergrounding of the power lines is both possible and feasible. Many argue that in the medium to long-term, it would be economically beneficial to underground the connector.
I raise this Commencement matter because of the recently launched €42 billion capital plan, which includes €5.75 billion specifically related to energy infrastructure. One of the key projects earmarked for delivery by the Government is the North-South interconnector. Is the capital funding commitment for the interconnector contained in the capital programme Building for Recovery: Infrastructure and Capital Investment 2016-2021 dependent on the project proceeding over ground or will it still be funded under the programme if it is delivered in an alternative way, that is, through undergrounding?
Will the Minister advise on some of the following issues? How much funding has been allocated for the project? What are the conditions associated with it? Does he believe there was a failure by EirGrid to consider the undergrounding option or does he believe it could be considered as a viable alternative? Will there be a commitment to explore that option further? Following this, could there be a commitment to fund that option?
I take the opportunity to highlight once again the following points of relevance, given the level of concern among communities in the north east, namely, counties Cavan, Monaghan and Meath. Communities across the north east have voiced their full support for the project if it is to be constructed using modern underground cable technology systems. EirGrid has conceded that undergrounding is feasible and reliable, with dramatically reduced costs than the company had originally claimed. However, it has persisted in refusing to even examine a site-specific underground route option and instead has routed the overhead lines and pylons across the most densely populated areas of the affected counties.
I wish to be very clear: there is more certainty that delivery of the project would happen sooner if it were to be undergrounded than if there was to be an attempt to proceed with the overground option. Overgrounding will result in nothing but confrontation, conflict and, ultimately, failure. In essence, there will be total opposition. There will be blockades by landowners and communities should that option be proceeded with. It is important to say this because that is the resounding message I have received from the communities concerned and which I wish to convey to the Minister. Communities across the north east believe they are being discriminated against by EirGrid and the Government. The undergrounding analysis made for Grid West and Grid Link was never afforded to the North-South interconnector project. Subsequently, we heard about the decision relating to Grid West not to proceed with the use of pylons because of the use of new technologies. Are we to ignore the realities of technologies when considering the North-South interconnector? EirGrid conceded at a recent Oireachtas joint committee hearing that although HVDC undergrounding was feasible, it had never been examined specifically along roads in the case of the North-South interconnector. Will the Minister ask EirGrid to perhaps withdraw its application until such time as a proper objective analysis of undergrounding has been carried out?
The 400kV North-South interconnection project which is part of EirGrid's Grid25 plan to upgrade the national transmission system between now and 2025 is a critical and strategically urgent transmission reinforcement. It will remove restrictions limiting cross-Border power flows between Ireland and Northern Ireland, which will enhance cross-Border support in the event of a shortage of electricity in either jurisdiction, thus strengthening security of electricity supply throughout the island of Ireland.
The project was announced in 2007. Due to the need for a second planning application, the scheduled feedback and consultation period has been ongoing for double the time planned for projects of similar scale such as Grid West or Grid Link. Given the extended public consultation and feedback stage of the project, the public has been afforded good opportunities for feedback.
The project was designated an energy project of common interest, PCI, by the European Commission in October 2013, having been deemed by the Commission to be of strategic, transboundary importance. This is the first PCI in Ireland to be submitted for planning approval.
The North-South project is part of an ongoing process which will be subjected to rigorous assessment as part of the planning processes in both jurisdictions. EirGrid made a formal planning application for the project to An Bord Pleanála on 9 June 2015. A further consultative process subsequently opened to interested parties under section 182A of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended. That consultation concluded on 24 August and An Bord Pleanála is reviewing the submissions. A determination is expected to issue in quarter 2 of 2016 following an oral hearing, most likely to be held in the first quarter of next year. In the light of the fact that the planning application for the project has been submitted to An Bord Pleanála for determination, it would not be appropriate for me to comment on issues that may form part of the board's deliberative process.
As was confirmed in the capital investment plan published by my colleague, the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, on 29 September, our investment in national energy infrastructure is critical to having a continuous supply of affordable and safe electricity and gas to domestic and business consumers on a nationwide basis. That investment is costly, but it will be necessary to ensure additional capacity to facilitate the achievement of longer term renewables targets, particularly in relation to wind energy and meeting our 40% renewable electricity target. The level of investment by the ESB, Ervia, Bord na Móna and EirGrid in transmission and distribution networks, renewable and conventional power generation, as well as smart metering programmes to 2021, will be in the region of €5.75 billion.
If planning consent is granted for the North-South interconnector, it is estimated that the cost of constructing the part of the overall project located in Ireland will be €180 million. The estimated cost of constructing the part located in Northern Ireland is €106 million, giving a total estimated capital cost for the project of €286 million.
Does the Minister believe there was a failure to consider the undergrounding option, in particular now that EirGrid has conceded that undergrounding is feasible but that it had not examined a specific route along roads for the North-South interconnector? Does he believe it is time to carry out an objective analysis? If such an analysis was to be carried out and undergrounding was considered to be feasible, would it be possible to explore the option and would funding be provided for undergrounding if that was the case?
The position is that the project is at planning stage and before An Bord Pleanála. As the Senator is aware, the project has a long history. From as far back as 2007, there have been a number of processes involving and providing for consultation. When my predecessor, Deputy Pat Rabbitte, held this ministerial portfolio, he set up an expert panel to advise and to report to him and subsequently to me on EirGrid's proposals. EirGrid has reported to me on both Grid West and Grid Link. The panel was also asked to examine the North-South interconnector and apply itself to the question the Senator asked, namely, what methodologies were employed by EirGrid in assessing the viability or otherwise of undergrounding and overgrounding of the North-South interconnector. The expert panel was satisfied that the methodologies applied by EirGrid to the North-South interconnector were as robust as those employed in the case of Grid Link and Grid West. They are matters that have been addressed and on which there has been considerable consultation. I accept that there are concerns about the North-South interconnector with respect to some of the areas through which it is proposed that the interconnector would run, but I cannot emphasise sufficiently - the Senator did not refer to this - the critical importance of the project for the provision of a safe and secure electricity supply both here and in the North. This is a critical North-South project of enormous importance to both jurisdictions. That is the approach I have taken to the matter in terms of its critical importance to us.
As for the planning process, it is robust and every opportunity will be available to people to raise their concerns about the issue, but I will not trespass on these issues, given that there is a statutory body, namely, An Bord Pleanála, dealing with the application. It will make its decision in due course.
Burial Grounds
I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Ann Phelan.
In 1649, when Oliver J. Cromwell was defending the Rump Parliament, with which he was associated in London, he and his generals and troops came to Ireland, to County Clare. One of his generals was famously quoted as saying on the Burren that there was not enough "water to drown a man, nor a tree to hang him, nor soil enough to bury him." He was saying, in effect, "Let us get out of here." The reason I have tabled this Commencement matter is that there is barely enough soil to bury a man. The fact is Clare is a limestone county, with concentrations spreading from Ballyvaughan to Doolin and the Cliffs of Moher to parts of the east and west of the county. There is a solid limestone base which can become Moher flag and other strong rock. As such, it is very difficult for grave diggers to dig.
I am sure the Minister of State will agree that the 1888 Act which governs the digging of graves and which was amended in 1929 merits re-examination. The eight feet depth requirement is causing much distress for undertakers in County Clare and particularly families when seeking a new plot on which to inter a loved one. At a depth of about five feet grave diggers hit concrete and literally specialised machinery is needed to reach a depth of eight feet. I understand Clare County Council is considering the by-laws, as the issue is causing much distress. All of the undertakers in the county have made strong representations on the need to have it addressed, but the county council can only do so much. As the Minister of State is aware, by-laws are governed by national legislation; therefore, the scope to act is limited. If the Minister of State was to give a commitment that the Government would look at amending legislation to loosen the eight foot rule, that would be helpful. Obviously, where a depth of eight feet can be reached, that is the desirable outcome, but where it cannot, there is a need for significant flexibility to facilitate burials in graveyards in which families wish to have loved ones buried. Given her background, the Minister of State will understand the importance of burial grounds to communities.
I thank the Senator for raising this very sensitive issue. Coming from a rural background, I am aware that there are traditions at burial grounds that can sometimes fall foul of rules and regulations. It is terrible if a family have to endure this at a time of distress. It would be prudent to look at the matter to see where difficulties are being caused. I thank the Senator for raising the matter as it allows me an opportunity to outline the regulations governing burial grounds. As he has pointed out, the primary legislation dealing with the management and regulation of burial grounds by local authorities is the Public Health (Ireland) Act 1878, as amended by the Local Government (Sanitary Services) Act 1948 and, more recently, the Local Government Act 1994. Legislative provision is also made in the Rules for the Regulation of Burial Grounds 1888, as amended.
While the primary legislation provides the broad legal framework for burial grounds, more specific matters relating to the management of burial grounds, including the depth of burial plots, are provided for in the burial ground regulations which require each grave, when opened for the first interment, be sunk generally to a depth of at least eight feet. This depth is considered necessary to protect public health, while also allowing for more than one interment in a particular burial plot. In certain circumstances, however, for example, where the nature of the ground does not permit a grave to be sunk to the minimum depth, it may be sunk to a lesser depth. This is a matter for the consideration of the local authority in consultation with the Health Service Executive which must certify that the depth is sufficient for the protection of public health. More than one interment in such plots is prohibited.
Concern has been raised recently in some areas about the depth of burial plots, notwithstanding the fact that the relevant regulations have been in effect for more than 100 years. In particular, concerns have been raised on health and safety grounds, with suggestions the regulations are inconsistent with more recent health and safety legislation. In the first instance, all workplaces are subject to safety, health and welfare at work legislation. They include local authority graveyards. Second, it is possible to comply with both the burial ground regulations and the relevant health and safety legislation. In this regard, the Health and Safety Authority, in conjunction with local authorities, has developed a safe system of work plan for employers and employees working in graveyards.
While the application of the system is a matter for each local authority, it can be applied through local authorities' own health and safety procedures and policies. For example, Cork County Council has issued a policy on occupational safety, health and welfare in respect of works in local authority owned graveyards. It covers, among other things, the excavation of graves. It provides that graves must be machine excavated in all save exceptional circumstances, but it also sets out procedures to deal with situations where, for example, in older rural graveyards excavation by machine is not possible. Accordingly, it is not considered necessary to amend the existing burial ground regulations. In the first instance, local authorities have sufficient scope to apply the regulations practically to deal with atypical circumstances as they arise and, second, it is possible to implement the regulations in a manner consistent with health and safety legislation.
I wish to ask a short supplementary question. Is there a procedure in place whereby the HSE can certify that it is not possible to adhere to the eight feet depth requirement in a particular graveyard or does it have to be done on an individual basis? Clare County Council is about to implement by-laws. Is it fair to say the council has broad discretionary scope in dealing with the eight feet depth requirement?
I will have to check if the council has broad discretionary scope and will come back to the Senator on the issue. As a practical step, we might wait and see what happens when the by-laws are introduced to see if the problem will still persist. I give a commitment that I will then relook at the issue, if that is satisfactory to the Senator.
I thank the Minister of State.
Rural Crime
I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Jimmy Deenihan.
I thank the Minister of State for taking this matter. It is great to have somebody from my area to respond to it because he knows exactly what I am talking about.
The reason I raise this Commencement matter is the level of fear among people in rural Ireland about crime.
I acknowledge the work done by the Minister, her Department and the Garda in an effort to combat rural crime. In particular, I acknowledge the provision of €5.3 million for a further 260 Garda vehicles and the €60 million Garda building and refurbishment programme that has been put in place. I also acknowledge the reopening of the Garda Training College in Templemore, the 550 new gardaí who will graduate this year and the 600 who will graduate next year. That is all great and shows that the Minister, her Department and the Garda are serious about tackling crime. However, coming from a rural area in County Kerry, as do I, the Minister of State will be aware of the fear in people's hearts. It is not so much crime but the fear of crime that is getting to people. I have to hand some figures from the Central Statistics Office, CSO, from 2014. As they are somewhat older, I am aware the levels probably have reduced since 2014. These figures show 420 crimes per month were reported on farms nationwide for the first six months of 2014. Within that figure, there were 1,720 cases of farm machinery theft reported, as well as 218 vehicle thefts, 280 cases of non-aggravated burglaries, 261 thefts of diesel, 48 thefts of livestock, six thefts from persons and one case of aggravated burglary. While these are figures affecting the farming community, it does not stop there but moves throughout the community.
In the past, a grant was forthcoming from the Department of Social Protection for security locks, panic alarms and help for security for the elderly. However, the reason I have brought forward this matter is that while some people can afford to install electronic gates and security alarms, many people cannot do so and no price can be put on a person's peace of mind. Only last Monday evening, I met a man who told me he was six months from the age of 70 years and that he took a shotgun to bed with him. The Minister of State should note this is an example from County Kerry. The man in question takes the shotgun to bed with him every night but nobody should be obliged to live like that or to be obliged to live in fear that he or she will be broken into or that something will happen. If people had security alarms in place, it would give them a little peace of mind. They will not stop burglaries, because these criminals are well able to deal with burglar alarms and security alarms, but at least it might deter them. Moreover, it would give people living in houses some peace to know the alarm was in place and would go off if someone tried to enter the property and would link up with the Garda station.
I acknowledge the reason and logic behind the closure of Garda stations, but as the Minister of State is aware, the actual presence of a Garda station with a garda meant a great deal to people living in rural Ireland. When that has been taken away, they believe something has been taken from them, despite the possibility that a Garda patrol vehicle may be patrolling the area. Nevertheless, they consider that the presence of a Garda station and the presence of a garda during the day, for however long it may be, is a deterrent to burglars. The possibility of some form of grant aid towards the cost of installing security alarms people should be considered. It could be means-tested and restricted to those with an annual income of less than €45,000 or €50,000 perhaps. It would be of help and while I acknowledge not everybody still would be able to afford it, it would go some way towards helping people.
I am speaking on behalf of the Minister for Justice and Equality who regrets that she cannot be present owing to other official commitments. She is grateful to the Senator for raising this important matter in the Seanad. She has asked me to state she is highly conscious of the distress which burglary and similar crime can cause to householders, as well as the broader impact the fear of crime can have in communities. In this regard, she is very much in sympathy with the Senator's intention of supporting law-abiding householders.
Earlier this year the Minister initiated a broad and urgent review of the approach to burglary crime. An important fact arising from the Minister's review was that a large proportion of domestic burglaries were committed by a particular cohort of serial offenders. The clear view which emerged was that a new strategy to counteract these criminals should focus on two key objectives, namely, strengthening the law to get tougher on serial and repeat offenders and investing in the capacity of An Garda Síochána to enforce that law effectively. The Minister is now implementing this strategy and has introduced the Criminal Justice (Burglary of Dwellings) Bill which is aimed at those repeat burglars who have previous convictions and are charged with multiple offences of residential burglary. The new Bill will require the District Court to provide for consecutive jail sentences where a burglar is being sentenced for multiple offences and will allow courts to refuse ball for offenders who have a previous conviction for domestic burglary coupled with two or more pending charges. The Bill which is expected to be enacted in the next few weeks will go a long way towards giving the courts the power to ensure repeat burglars are kept off the streets.
Of course, legislation on its own is not enough and the Minister is in ongoing contact with the Commissioner to ensure the available Garda resources are used as effectively as possible. The Minister is prioritising the allocation of resources to enable the Commissioner to enhance the Garda operational response, in particular through the 550 new recruits being taken in to the Garda Training College this year, with a further 600 new recruits to commence training next year. Thus far, 295 new gardaí have been attested as members of An Garda Síochána and are now working in communities nationwide. This probably is the most tangible way the Government can demonstrate its commitment to providing people with the reassurance that comes from a visible and determined police force. The Minister also is ensuring An Garda Síochána has the necessary vehicles and technology to respond to the highly mobile gangs behind much burglary offending. Having secured additional funding, she now anticipates that a total of 630 new Garda vehicles will have come on stream during 2015. Furthermore, the capital plan for 2016-21 provides €205 million for the ongoing delivery of new Garda vehicles, as well as investment in new technology and information systems. Such measures are, of course, additional to the extensive community policing and crime prevention measures which are implemented by An Garda Síochána countrywide. These include the work of Garda crime prevention officers and support for more than 3,900 community alert and neighbourhood watch groups, as well as the successful Garda text alert scheme which is available in every Garda division and now has more than 130,000 subscribers.
In the context of the extensive investment under way and taking into account the Minister's ongoing discussions with the Commissioner and the heads of the other justice agencies, she is of the view that a generalised grants scheme for domestic alarms would not be the best use of the available resources to help protect communities from burglary crime. Instead, a focus is to be placed on working with communities and organisations to engage the community in preventing crime. To this end, the Minister has recently announced a doubling in the funding for both the community alert and the Crimestoppers schemes. Crime prevention measures at the level of individual households and businesses are extremely important, of course, and excellent advice is available from the Garda on the range of steps that can be taken to protect property. In terms of determining how best to allocate resources, however, the Minister considers that greater impact will be achieved for everyone in the community through the measures she is putting in place. She hopes the Senator will nevertheless accept that the increased resources which are coming on stream represent a significant investment by the Government in enhanced policing and community safety in all areas.
I thank the Minister of State and, of course, accept that it would be a huge cost on the Exchequer. I also acknowledge the Garda crime prevention officers and the support of the community alert and neighbourhood watch groups. Moreover, I agree that they are fantastic and doing great work. It is just that people still live in fear. One can almost taste their fear as they speak and this fear is being whipped up a lot because the minute they hear there has been a burglary down the road, they think they will be next and that it will happen to them. I am disappointed that this proposal has not been perceived to be an option.
I also accept that in economic terms we are in the early stages of recovery and as such, funding may not be readily available. However, I hope this proposal would not be ruled out completely and that it might be an option at some stage. While I am aware that relief on the expense can be claimed under the refurbishment plan, this option is only available to people paying tax such that those who do not pay tax are unable to obtain any relief. I had hoped the Minister of State was going respond to the effect that the proposal would be examined and, perhaps, discussed with the Minister for Finance. However, I accept his response.
I thank the Senator for her remarks. In regard to the position in County Kerry, generally there is great co-operation between An Garda Síochána and local communities. Given the current reduced number of gardaí in the force, everybody must become the eyes and ears of An Garda Síochána. Irrespective of Garda numbers, it is impossible to prevent people from carrying out burglaries if that is what they want to do. A classic example in this regard is the burglary of the home of the former Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Alan Shatter, while there was a Garda stationed at his front door. If people want to rob houses, they will do so. One cannot have a garda at every crossroads in the country. As such, everybody must be vigilant. If I am out late at night and see a suspicious vehicle, I report it to the local Garda station. People who are suspicious of the activities of others or who see a person in a place where he or she should not be are duty bound to report that to their local Garda station.
Members of An Garda Síochána are engaging with and providing advice for community groups on these issues, which is a very good approach. If we want to prevent rural crime and burglaries we have to work closely with An Garda Síochána. I understand, although I do not have the statistics with me, that while the level of rural crime has increased in some counties, it has decreased in others. I again thank the Senator for raising this important matter and will pass on her views to the Minister.
I take the opportunity to mention also two initiatives that come within the remit of the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government, namely, the senior alert scheme under which grant assistance is available for personal monitored alarms for older persons of limited means and the recently announced funding under the rural development programme 2014-20 to support the provision of CCTV systems in rural areas. The Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Frances Fitzgerald, is also mindful of the interest in community CCTV schemes, particularly in rural communities, and has recently instigated a review of their effectiveness in conjunction with the Garda authorities. The outcome of that review will inform future decisions on the continuation of the scheme. The Minister has asked me to emphasise that while she agrees that we must do all we can to protect people from crime, the measures outlined represent the best deployment of Government resources to support community safety. The Minister is working closely with the Garda Commissioner on the finalisation of details for an enhanced operational response to burglaries and related crimes and expects to be in a position to make further announcements in this regard shortly.
Closed-Circuit Television Systems Provision
I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Jimmy Deenihan. However, I am disappointed that the Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Frances Fitzgerald, is not here to respond to this matter. I appreciate that I am lucky that a Minister with the experience and expertise of Deputy Jimmy Deenihan is here and he will be well able to answer questions I have about this matter. Given, coincidentally, the theme of the matter is similar to that of the previous one, I am sure much of the Minister of State's response to it will be a repeat of his earlier reply.
I am specifically interested in hearing from the Minister of State whether the Government is considering reintroducing the community-based CCTV scheme which commenced under a previous Government in 2005 and ended in 2008 or 2009 but proved to be hugely successful. The aim of this initiative was to support local communities, increase public safety and reduce the risk of anti-social and criminal activity. I have seen this initiative in action, via the community-funded CCTV scheme in Manorhamilton, County Leitrim, which has been in operation since 2008. As a member of the police committee in County Leitrim, I attended a meeting at which Garda from the Sligo and Leitrim divisions reiterated their strong support for the CCTV scheme. They also outlined, as had already been outlined to me by the Manorhamilton community group, that the effectiveness of the community CCTV scheme was unparalleled. As a result of that scheme, which was closely monitored, the Garda had apprehended many culprits. In one particular instance, a person in respect of whom the Garda was in pursuit was picked up on the CCTV system. There are three roads leading out of Manorhamilton, any which one of which the alleged suspect could have taken, but because of the existence of the cameras the Garda were able to focus on the road he did take and he was apprehended. That is only one of many examples in this regard.
I am, therefore, strongly of the view - I have discussed this bilaterally with the Minister - that this initiative should be reintroduced. The Minister of State referred in his previous reply to a reduction in rural crime. However, as he and everybody else here will be well aware, perception can sometimes overrule reality. Media attention focused on stories about rural crime puts the fear of God into people such that they believe there are criminals outside their doors waiting to steal from them and goodness knows what else. This does not in any way under-estimate the horrific nature of some of these crimes, the most recent being that carried out in Tipperary, the thugs responsible for which were finally apprehended. As far as I am concerned, they will not spend long enough in prison: they should never be released. However, that is another issue.
I believe the community CCTV scheme was effective. The problem is that towns and villages do not have the resources to implement such a scheme without Government support. I understand the local business community in Carrick-on-Shannon which has been crying out for some time for a CCTV scheme has come together to fund a CCTV scheme which I hope will be up and running in the not too distant future. It should not be left to communities to fund their own schemes. There are areas where this will not be possible without financial aid. In the light of the Minister of State's earlier reply regarding the comprehensive nature of the approach being taken by the Government to addressing crime, particularly rural crime, this is a no-brainer. Regardless of the financial or other difficulties being experienced, the Government needs to prioritise this issue and that highlighted earlier by my colleague Senator Marie Moloney. It is vital the Government finds the money to address these specific issues. Like me, the Minister comes from a rural part of the country and as such he knows how fearful people are and to whom they are looking to have these issues addressed. Regardless of the colour of the Government, it is to it and An Garda Síochána that the people look for protection. It is, therefore, vital that this scheme be reintroduced as soon as possible.
Again, the Minister apologies for not being here to take this Commencement matter tabled by the Senator. She has asked me to thank him for raising it.
CCTV systems installed for the purposes of crime prevention and as an aid to policing in areas to which the general public routinely have access such as town centres fall into two categories, namely, Garda CCTV systems and community-based CCTV systems. Garda CCTV systems are planned and implemented on the basis of the identified operational needs and priorities of An Garda Síochána. Accordingly, decisions in relation to the introduction or extension of such systems are a matter for the Garda Commissioner.
The Garda authorities inform me that they keep the current Garda CCTV arrangements under ongoing review in the context of changing operational requirements.
As regards community-based CCTV, a scheme was launched in 2005 which provided financial assistance for qualifying local organisations towards meeting the capital costs associated with the establishment of a local community CCTV system. Two rounds of funding were advertised under that scheme and a total of €3.76 million was allocated to fund 43 community schemes. The last of that funding was paid out in July 2013. The Minister is very conscious of the value that communities, especially rural communities, place on CCTV and with this in mind has instigated a review of the effectiveness of the community CCTV scheme in conjunction with the Garda authorities. The outcome of that review will inform future decisions on the continuation of the scheme.
The Deputy may also be aware that my colleague, the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, has recently made an announcement on the provision of CCTV systems in rural areas, which is to be funded from the rural development programme 2014-20. CCTV schemes certainly have a part to play in the detection of anti-social behaviour and criminality, but of paramount importance is a visible and responsive policing service. There is no doubt but that the Government is determined to ensure An Garda Síochána has the resources to deliver highly mobile and responsive Garda patrols in both rural and urban communities. The Minister has secured an allocation of a further €5.3 million to An Garda Síochána for the purchase of a further 260 vehicles between now and the end of the year. This investment in a modern, effective and fit-for-purpose Garda fleet will continue under the Government's capital plan for the period 2016 to 2021 which provides an additional €46 million for new Garda vehicles over the lifetime of the plan. This substantial level of investment will be accompanied by the ongoing recruitment of new gardaí, with 600 to be recruited next year on top of the 550 to be recruited by the end of this year.
I thank the Minister of State for his response and wish to focus on a particular part of it. He said, "CCTV schemes certainly have a part to play in the detection of antisocial behaviour and criminality, but of paramount importance is a visible and responsive policing service." He then referred to the fact that "the Government is determined to ensure An Garda Síochána has the resources to deliver highly mobile and responsive Garda patrols in both rural and urban communities." I have already outlined an example of where the CCTV scheme worked in Manorhamilton, where it was a strong and effective aid to the Garda. There is no doubt among the Garda or the community that without its presence, the culprit would have got away with his crime. The problem is resources. For example, at the recent police meeting, we were informed of the figures the Minister of State has mentioned here for the additional new gardaí coming on stream, of whom tive will be allocated to Sligo but none to County Leitrim, which is a predominantly rural county. The reason is that the five gardaí will be on probation for some time and must go to a centre that has the facilities and structures in place to monitor their progress and help them become more effective as gardaí. However, in the context of the 550 additional gardaí, this is not of much help to the people of County Leitrim.
I hope that as Minister of State with responsibility for the diaspora and as a rurally-based Deputy, Deputy Jimmy Deenihan will put pressure on his Government colleagues to ensure rural areas where Garda stations have been closed down will get what he has said they will get - a visible and responsive policing service. However, I am disappointed that is not the case as far as my county is concerned.
I again thank the Senator for raising pertinent questions. The Minister is conscious of the value communities place on CCTV systems and has instigated a review of the effectiveness of the community CCTV scheme in conjunction with Garda authorities. The outcome of that review will inform future decisions on the continuation of the scheme. No doubt, the Senator's contribution is important in that context. The three Members present are from rural communities.
I know I am speaking to the converted. I am aware of occasions when private CCTV systems have been a major aid to gardaí in solving crimes and have proved to be important and valuable in court cases. The more CCTV systems we have, the more crime will be detected and the greater the deterrent to it. The Minister is determined to ensure those on the front line in the fight against crime have the legislation and resources to fight it effectively. Her approach is focused on two key objectives, namely, strengthening the law to make it tougher on serious and repeat offenders, principally through the Criminal Justice (Burglary of Dwellings) Bill 2015 which is before the Houses of the Oireachtas and investing in the capacity of An Garda Síochána to enforce that law effectively through the significantly enhanced Garda resources the Government is making available.
The substantial level of investment by the Government in the Garda fleet and ICT, accompanied by the continued renewal of Garda personnel, with 600 new gardaí to be recruited next year over and above the 550 to be recruited by the end of this year, will ensure the Garda has the necessary tools and manpower to tackle the scourge of highly mobile criminal gangs and to disrupt crime, particularly burglaries, across both rural and urban communities.
Owing to the level of interest from representatives of all political parties in this issue, there is a serious willingness and motivation to take on the problem of rural crime. This commitment and joint approach will help us to combat rural crime. The process is ongoing, but I believe a kind of "war" has been declared on rural crime. With the collaboration and co-operation of all the agencies involved, I believe this action will be successful. While we will always have some crime, we can now better manage this challenge. I acknowledge the work of the Minister, but I am aware that we cannot put enough resources into law and order and crime prevention. However, in the context of the current level of resources, the Minister is doing a very good job in getting what she can for An Garda Síochána and the justice system.
Sitting suspended at 11.25 a.m. and resumed at 11.30 a.m.