Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 November 2022
460. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice the number of community-based CCTV schemes in operation throughout the State; and the number of cameras involved which the gardaí have access to. [56142/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, community CCTV schemes play an important role in local communities across the country, providing valuable reassurance and helping people to feel safer in their local areas. This is why it remains a priority for my Department to ensure that community groups continue to be supported in developing their local CCTV schemes, whilst balancing this with proportionate oversight of important data protection statutory considerations.
Since 2017 my Department has administered a grant aid scheme supporting groups wishing to establish a community-based CCTV system in their area. 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.
The CCTV grant scheme was extended in 2019 to cover not only new CCTV systems but to also provide funding for the extension or upgrade of existing CCTV systems which are incomplete or obsolete. Applicants may now also seek a once-off grant of up to €5,000 for minor maintenance costs.
As of October of this year, a total of 36 locations have been approved for funding by my Department to date under the community-based CCTV scheme, with a total of over €950,000 committed to these projects. I understand that in these 36 locations there are approximately 350 cameras in operation.
