Thomas Byrne
Ceist:47. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the status of proposals to install cameras on motorways to help fight against crime. [32674/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraWednesday, 12 July 2017
Ceisteanna (47)
Freagraí scríofa
The Deputy will be aware that the Programme for a Partnership Government commits to supporting investment in CCTV systems at key locations along the road network and in urban centres.
In this context, I am pleased to inform the Deputy that, on 13 April 2017 in pursuance of this commitment, a new Community-based CCTV grant-aid Scheme was launched by my Department to assist groups in the establishment of community-based CCTV systems in their local areas.
Under the Scheme, which is being administered by my Department, eligible community groups can apply for grant-aid of up to 60% of the total capital cost of a proposed CCTV system, up to a maximum grant of €40,000. Upon approval of the grant, the applicant will receive an up-front payment of 50% of the grant with the balance to be paid when the system is fully operational.
Full details of the grant aid package including guidelines, application forms, code of practice and other relevant documentation are all available to download from my Department's website - www.justice.ie.
I am very conscious of the value that communities, especially rural communities, place on CCTV as a means of deterring crime and assisting in the detection of offenders and I would encourage interested groups to avail of the Scheme.
In addition, the Garda authorities inform me that, as of 5 March 2017, there are some 35 Garda CCTV schemes in operation throughout the State comprising in excess of 500 cameras. There are also some 45 Community-based CCTV schemes, established under the previous grant-aid scheme funded by my Department between 2005 and 2013, in operation encompassing some 367 cameras to which An Garda Síochána have access.
Under the Commissioner's Modernisation and Renewal Programme, the intention is to use CCTV in new ways utilising modern technology and to expand the use of ANPR technology to allow for wider access and analysis, to identify key criminal and terrorist targets and to enhance community safety.
This is underpinned by significant Government investment under the Capital Plan of some €205 million in additional funding for Garda ICT and €46 million to provide An Garda Síochána with additional high-powered vehicles, marked and unmarked patrol cars, and motorcycles to ensure that Gardaí can be mobile, visible and responsive on the roads and in the community to prevent and tackle crime.