Closed Circuit Television Systems.

Thursday, 26 February 2004

Questions (16)

Tom Hayes

Question:

13 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the amount of money which has been expended on the installation of closed circuit television systems in towns throughout the country since he took office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6333/04]

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Written answers

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell)

As the Deputy is aware 17 locations are set to receive a new Garda CCTV system, subject to the availability of funds. The locations are, in alphabetical order: Athlone, Ballyfermot, Bray, Carlow, Castlebar, Clondalkin, Clonmel, Dundalk, Dún Laoghaire, Ennis, 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 these locations would proceed on a phased basis.

If work were to commence on all 17 locations simultaneously, it would prove difficult to manage due to the complexity of the process and the geographical distribution of the proposed systems. Additional resources would also be required.

Phase 1 of the scheme comprises Bray, Dundalk, Dún Laoghaire, Finglas, Galway and Limerick. The contract for the supply, installation and commissioning of Garda CCTV systems for these locations was awarded to SKS Communications Limited and work on the implementation of these systems is ongoing at present. Phase 2 of the scheme comprises Athlone, Clondalkin, Tallaght and Waterford. The pre-tender process for these systems is at an advanced stage. Phase 3 of the scheme comprises Ballyfermot, Carlow, Castlebar, Clonmel, Ennis, Kilkenny and Sligo. The planning for the installation of these is scheduled to commence later this year.

I have been informed by the Garda authorities that, since I took office in June 2002, a total of €2,339,687.07 has been expended on the CCTV schemes currently being installed in Bray, Dún Laoghaire, Dundalk, Finglas, Galway and Limerick and in respect of the completion of the Cork CCTV scheme.