Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 February 2004
268 Mr. J. Breen asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will honour the commitment made by his predecessor to Ennis Chamber of Commerce and provide funding for a closed-circuit television system for the town of Ennis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5142/04]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, Ennis is one of 17 locations which is set to receive a new Garda CCTV system over the next two years, subject to the availability of funds. The other locations are, in alphabetical order: Athlone, Ballyfermot, Bray, Carlow, Castlebar, Clondalkin, Clonmel, Dundalk, Dun Laoghaire, Finglas, Galway, Kilkenny, Limerick, Sligo, Tallaght and Waterford.
I have been informed by the Garda authorities that, when the go-ahead was given to proceed with the installation of the above 17 town centre CCTV systems, it was decided that the implementation of the CCTV systems in those locations should proceed on a phased basis.
If work were to commence at all 17 locations simultaneously, it would prove difficult to project-manage due to the complexity of the process and the geographical distribution of the proposed systems. Additional resources would also be required.
Phase one of the scheme comprises Bray, Dundalk, Dun Laoghaire, Finglas, Galway and Limerick. The contract for the supply, installation and commissioning of Garda CCTV systems for those locations was awarded to SKS Communications Limited, and work on the implementation of those systems is ongoing. Phase two of the scheme comprises Athlone, Clondalkin, Tallaght and Waterford. The pre-tender process for those systems is at an advanced stage.
Phase three of the scheme comprises Ballyfermot, Carlow, Castlebar, Clonmel, Ennis, Kilkenny and Sligo. The planning for the installation of those is scheduled to commence later this year.
