Michael Bell
Ceist:356 Mr. Bell asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the plans he has to install a circuit television system in Drogheda, County Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18516/01]
Written Answers. - Closed Circuit Television Systems.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that no formal application for a Garda CCTV system has been received to date by the advisory committee that was established by the Garda Commissioner to evaluate applications for Garda CCTV systems in respect of Drogheda.
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. They may then be considered by the advisory committee which will make a recommendation to me in this regard. Applications for Garda CCTV systems are assessed by the advisory committee on the basis of Garda operational needs and include the following criteria: crime/public order statistics in the area; population and level of activity there; the recommendation of local Garda management and any special circumstances/needs that exist.
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.