Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 3 Jul 2001

Vol. 540 No. 1

Written Answers. - Garda Operations.

Jack Wall

Ceist:

425 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will provide closed circuit cameras in a number of towns (details supplied) in County Kildare to ensure that gardaí have every assistance in providing security and preventing crime; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19857/01]

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

There are currently no plans for the installation of Garda CCTV systems in the towns referred to by the Deputy. I also understand that no applications have been received by the advisory committee, established by the Garda Commissioner to evaluate applications for Garda CCTV systems, in respect of the towns in question.

By way of general information, applications for Garda CCTV systems must be prepared in co-operation with the local Garda district and divisional officers and receive their full support. The applications may then be considered by the advisory committee who 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 and public order statistics in the area; population and level of activity there; the recommendation of local Garda management and any special circumstances or 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. A total of £12 million is to be allocated towards the installation of CCTV systems nationwide over the next three years – as part of the Garda CCTV expansion programme – with £4 million being allocated in 2001. As part of the first tranche of the expansion programme, Garda CCTV systems are to be installed in the following areas: Athlone, Bray, Clondalkin, Dundalk, Dún Laoghaire, Finglas, Galway, Limerick, Waterford and Tallaght. At least a further six areas will commence in 2003 and they will be announced in due course. It is anticipated that the ten CCTV systems referred to above will be installed in the period 2001-02.

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 and I plan to introduce a grant scheme soon 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 soon.