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Closed-Circuit Television Systems

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 3 June 2020

Wednesday, 3 June 2020

Ceisteanna (334)

Fergus O'Dowd

Ceist:

334. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if a funding application from Louth County Council to fund CCTV in Moneymore, Drogheda, County Louth, has been received; if so, if same will be expedited in view of the importance both the inter-agency committee and local gardaí have placed on its installation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8441/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Community-based CCTV is governed by section 38(3)(c) of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 and the Garda Síochána (CCTV) Order 2006.  This legal framework requires that any proposed community CCTV scheme must:

- be approved by the local Joint Policing Committee,

- have the prior support of the relevant local authority, which must also  act as data controller, and

- have the authorisation of the Garda Commissioner.

This is the legal basis for all community CCTV schemes, regardless of how they are funded.  The option to establish a Community CCTV scheme is available to groups that meet these legal requirements, anywhere in the country.

As the Deputy is aware, since 2017, my Department has administered a grant aid scheme supporting groups wishing to establish a community-based CCTV system in their area.

I can confirm that grant applications received in respect of  CCTV projects for Moneymore and additionally for Rathmullen in County Louth have been approved by my Department.  This brings the total number of applications approved to date under the scheme to 28, involving approved grants totalling more than €705,000.

Eligible groups, including community groups and local authorities nationwide, can apply for grant-aid of up to 60% of the total capital cost of a proposed CCTV system, up to a maximum total of €40,000 and it is now also possible for applicants to seek a once-off grant of up to €5,000 for minor maintenance costs.  The scheme permits applications not only for new CCTV systems but also for extension or upgrade of existing Community CCTV systems which are incomplete or obsolete.

I must emphasise that grant funding can be considered only for CCTV systems which meet the legal requirements for CCTV. In other words CCTV systems which have been approved by the relevant Joint Policing Committee, the relevant Local Authority (also acting as Data Controller) and which have received the authorisation of the Garda Commissioner.

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