Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 March 2004
445 Mr. O’Connor asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will report progress towards the provision of closed circuit television throughout Tallaght, Dublin 24; if he will provide details of contracts he has had in the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9934/04]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, Tallaght, together with Athlone, Clondalkin and Waterford, is one of the four systems in phase 2 of the current CCTV installation programme throughout the State set to receive a new Garda town centre CCTV system.
The experience to date with the installation of CCTV systems in other areas clearly indicates that to arrive at full commissioning can be a very lengthy process. This is due to in the main to the complex nature of these CCTV systems, which includes, inter alia, refurbishment of Garda stations for the monitoring of the cameras, provision of civil works, services of the ESB and local authorities etc.
I am further informed by the Garda authorities that in order to implement and deliver these systems in the most efficient and cost effective manner, careful consideration must be given to the planning of the project as a whole. Consideration is being given to a restructuring of the manner in which these systems go to tender with a view to delivering the implementation of these CCTV systems within a shorter timeframe.
With respect to contacts which I have had on this matter, I refer the Deputy to my reply to his Question No. 225 of 25 February 2004 concerning the need for CCTV systems throughout Tallaght.
I am also informed that meetings have taken place between the Garda authorities and South Dublin County Council to inform the council of the scope of the CCTV project and to establish communications with the various sections and departments of the council which are best placed to assist with this project. In addition, meetings have also taken place between the Garda authorities, the public lighting department of South Dublin County Council and the ESB to establish ducting and ancillary requirements in regard to the supply of power to the camera system.
A quotation for the refurbishment works required to accommodate the monitoring equipment for the system at Tallaght Garda station has been received by my Department from the OPW and is being examined at present.
As the Deputy is aware, I have recently met him along with a delegation from South Dublin Chamber of Commerce and representatives of The Square, Tallaght, where the issue regarding the provision of CCTV systems for the Tallaght and Clondalkin areas was discussed.
