The Deputy will be aware that the Programme for a Partnership Government commits to supporting investment in CCTV systems. In pursuance of this commitment, a grant-aid scheme was launched by my Department in 2017 to assist groups in the establishment of community-based CCTV systems in their local areas. It is intended that the scheme will run for 3 years with funding of some €1 million being made available each year.
Under the scheme, 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.
Systems funded under this scheme supplement the existing network of CCTV systems, both Community and Garda, in operation in the State.
The Department receives a regular flow of enquiries regarding the scheme from a broad spectrum of the public. There have been 27 applications to the scheme to date, including 13 applications received this month. 6 applications have been approved to date. 18 applications are currently being assessed. The remaining 3 applications have been returned to the applicants concerned, to enable them to supply the information necessary to qualify for grant aid.
Details of the counties in which successful applications have been based and the funding approved are included in the following table:
County
|
Number of applications
|
Approved Funding
|
Wicklow
|
1
|
€40,000.00
|
Wexford
|
3
|
€77,914.51
|
Sligo
|
1
|
€8,835.00
|
Leitrim
|
1
|
€40,000.00
|
Total
|
6
|
€166,749.51
|
I am keen to ensure that all interested groups, in both rural and urban areas, have the opportunity to take advantage of the availability of this grant aid scheme. For any community groups wishing to avail of the scheme, full details are available to download from my Department's website - www.justice.ie.
In addition, support and guidance is available from my officials to help interested groups to apply for this funding through a dedicated email addresscommunitycctv@justice.ie.