Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 22 May 2024
126. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Justice the funding, if any, her Department has provided to Cork County Council to fund community-based CCTV security systems; if so, the amount provided for each respective location; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23203/24]
View answerCommunity safety is a top priority for my Department and everyone has the right to be safe and feel safe in their communities. Community CCTV plays a vital role in achieving this goal.
As the Deputy may be aware, since 2017 my Department has administered a grant-aid scheme supporting groups wishing to establish a community-based CCTV system in their area.
The CCTV grant scheme was extended in 2019 to cover not only new CCTV systems, but to also provide funding for the extension or upgrade of existing CCTV systems which are incomplete or obsolete. Applicants may now also seek a once-off grant of up to €5,000 for minor maintenance costs.
Grants of over €950,000 have been approved to date for 36 Community CCTV schemes. A further €1 million in funding has been made available towards the development of community-based CCTV schemes in 2024.
This level of funding underlines my commitment to working with communities to ensure everyone feels safe.
I can advise the Deputy that Cork County Council has not applied for CCTV Funding since the Department of Justice took over administration of the scheme from Pobal in 2017.
Applications for funding are now open and can be made directly by the relevant Local Authorities.
