Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 2 March 2004
394 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding the proposed installation of closed circuit television in the Tallaght area; if funding is in place; when he proposes work to begin; the areas identified; and if requests from neighbouring communities for such a service are being considered by the Garda authorities. [6957/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, Tallaght is one of 17 locations set to receive a new Garda town centre closed circuit television system, subject to the availability of funds. The other locations are Athlone, Ballyfermot, Bray, Carlow, Castlebar, Clondalkin, Clonmel, Dundalk, Dún Laoghaire, Ennis, Finglas, Galway, Kilkenny, Limerick, Sligo, and Waterford.
Phase 1 of the scheme comprises Bray, Dundalk, Dún Laoghaire, Finglas, Galway and Limerick. Work on the implementation of these systems is ongoing. Phase 2 of the scheme comprises Athlone, Clondalkin, Tallaght and Waterford. The pre-tender process for these systems is at an advanced stage. Request for tender and detailed technical specification documents are currently being drafted by the telecommunications section at Garda headquarters, having regard to experience with other Garda closed circuit television systems and technological developments in this field. I am informed by the Garda authorities that it is intended to seek tenders for these systems within the first half of 2004.
Phase 3 of the scheme comprises Ballyfermot, Carlow, Castlebar, Clonmel, Ennis, Kilkenny and Sligo. Planning for the installation of these systems is scheduled to commence later this year. With specific reference to the proposed closed circuit television system for Tallaght, the Deputy will appreciate that installation of such a system is of necessity a complex, lengthy and detailed process, which involves a number of separate — yet equally important — stages.
To accommodate the closed circuit television monitoring suite and associated equipment, electrical and refurbishment works on a room in Tallaght Garda station will be necessary. I am informed that work is under way on the design of appropriate accommodation within the station for the purpose of monitoring the closed circuit television system. Similar design works are under way in respect of Athlone, Clondalkin and Waterford Garda stations.
I am advised that it would not be appropriate at this stage to state the specific number or location of the cameras planned for the Tallaght closed circuit television system. Camera numbers and locations have not yet been finalised and are therefore subject to change, taking into account proceeding with civil engineering works, wayleave and planning requirements.
With respect to requests from neighbouring communities for closed circuit television, I am informed that while the Garda authorities are aware of preliminary discussions regarding the extension of the proposed Tallaght town centre closed circuit television system to Jobstown, no formal proposal or application for such an extension has yet been received by the closed circuit television advisory committee, or for that matter, for any other location in Tallaght, Dublin 24. If any such applications are received, they will be processed in the normal manner.
I am further informed that while expressions of interest in my Department's community based closed circuit televisions scheme have been received from South Dublin County Council, it is unclear from departmental records what, if any, areas in Tallaght the council intends to cover in any application it may envisage making under the scheme.
