Thomas Byrne
Question:19. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality her plans to install cameras on motorways to assist in the fight against crime. [7606/17]
View answerThursday, 16 February 2017
Questions (19)
Written answers
I am very conscious of the value that communities, especially rural communities, place on CCTV as a means of deterring crime and assisting in the detection of offenders.
Indeed, as far back as 2005, my Department launched a Community-based CCTV Scheme to provide financial assistance to qualifying organisations towards meeting the capital costs associated with the establishment of local community CCTV systems. Some €4 million was provided under the Scheme, which was administered by Pobal, with a view to increasing public safety and reducing the risk of anti-social and criminal activity. That Scheme benefitted some 45 Community CCTV projects across the State.
As the Deputy will be aware, the Programme for a Partnership Government commits to providing investment in CCTV systems and to that end, I have secured €1 million in Budget 2017 to begin a new round of community CCTV schemes in line with the Programme.
My Department is currently developing a framework for the scheme and, while applications are not being invited or considered at this time, I expect to make an announcement shortly.
In addition, An Garda Síochána deploys its own CCTV technology and works with other bodies such as the National Roads Authority, Port Authorities, local authorities and private car park operators to also get access to data from their ANPR systems, as well as CCTV systems operating on the motorway network. Under the Commissioner's Modernisation and Renewal Programme, the intention is to use CCTV in new ways utilising modern technology and to expand the use of ANPR technology to allow for wider access and analysis, to identify key criminal and terrorist targets and to enhance community safety.
This is underpinned by significant Government investment under the Capital Plan of some €205 million in additional funding for Garda ICT and €46 million to provide An Garda Síochána with additional high-powered vehicles, marked and unmarked patrol cars, and motorcycles to ensure that Gardaí can be mobile, visible and responsive on the roads and in the community to prevent and tackle crime.
Question No. 20 answered orally.