Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 7 Dec 2000

Vol. 527 No. 5

Written Answers. - Closed Circuit Television Systems.

Brian O'Shea

Ceist:

203 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when closed circuit television will be operational in Waterford; the amount of financial contribution being sought from the business community; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29106/00]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. O'Donoghue)

I am pleased to confirm that Waterford is one of ten areas included in the first tranche of Garda CCTV systems to be introduced, following my recent announcement of the expansion of Garda CCTV systems. The other areas, in alphabetical order, are Athlone, Bray, Clondalkin, Dundalk, Dun Laoghaire, Finglas, Galway, Limerick and Tallaght. At least a further six areas will commence in 2003 and they will be announced in due course.

Following an initial assessment of each area by the Garda authorities, a detailed request for tender document will be drawn up setting out the specifications for each system/area in order to allow a competitive tendering process, in line with EU and public procurement guidelines, to be held. The completed tenders must then be evaluated before contracts can be placed. The Deputy will appreciate, therefore, that it is not possible for me at this stage to give an indication of exactly when a Garda CCTV system will be installed in Waterford. I can say, however, that it is anticipated that the ten CCTV systems referred to, including Waterford, will be installed in the period 2001-02.

Co-funding is also a feature of Garda CCTV systems and will be addressed when detailed costings are available and before work on the installation of the CCTV system for Waterford commences.

Cecilia Keaveney

Ceist:

204 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the supports which exist to help communities, for example, in Buncrana, Moville and Carndonagh in County Donegal install closed circuit television in public areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29107/00]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. O'Donoghue)

I am informed by the Garda authorities that no application for a Garda CCTV system has been received by the advisory committee, established by the Garda Commissioner to evaluate applications for Garda CCTV systems, in respect of Buncrana, Moville or Carndonagh.

All applications for Garda CCTV systems must be prepared in co-operation with the local Garda district and divisional officers and receive their full support. Funding for Garda CCTV systems is normally provided jointly by local community interests and the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform. It has been the experience of the Garda authorities that the cost of an efficient and effective CCTV system is, on average, £20,000 to £25,000 per camera plus an additional amount towards civil works. This additional amount varies according to the availability of ducting, etc.

In this regard, I am conscious that some applications for CCTV systems that have been received by the advisory committee relate to relatively small schemes which, while of importance to the local community, cannot be regarded as a national Garda priority.

I have given careful consideration to how assistance can be provided to areas which are not rated as a high level Garda priority. To this end, I plan to introduce a grant scheme in 2001 to cater for those communities who would like to press ahead on their own with a local CCTV system. It will be up to the local interests to install and monitor the CCTV schemes. However, grant assistance will be provided. To qualify for grant aid, certain minimum standards will have to be met and the Garda will have to be allowed access to the system when and as they require it. Local authorities will have an important role to play. The details of this new scheme are being finalised and full details of the scheme, including relevant conditions and grant levels, will be announced early in the new year.