Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 September 2013
990. Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will outline the number of Garda CCTV systems and community-based CCTV systems currently operational in counties Longford and Westmeath; if funding will be made available for the installation of further CCTV systems in the midlands; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36804/13]
View answerCCTV systems installed for the purposes of crime prevention and as aids to policing in areas to which the general public routinely have access, such as town centres, fall into two distinct categories: Garda CCTV systems and community-based CCTV systems.
Garda CCTV systems are planned and implemented on the basis of the Garda Commissioner's identified operational needs and priorities. I am advised by the Garda authorities that there are Garda CCTV Schemes in operation in Athlone and Mullingar. In addition I understand that, while there are currently no plans to increase the number of Garda cameras in operation in these areas, the situation will be monitored in the light of overall policing requirements.
The Community-based CCTV Scheme was launched in 2005 to provide financial assistance towards the capital costs of establishing a Community CCTV system. To date, two major rounds of the Scheme have been advertised, in 2005/2006 and 2007. There is a Community-based CCTV Scheme in operation in Longford Town.
Funding provided under the previous rounds of the Community-based CCTV Scheme has been fully allocated and at present there are no proposals to further extend the Scheme. However, the matter will continue to be kept under ongoing review in the context of overall policy considerations and the availability of resources.
