Concerns over roll-out of community CCTV systems
CONCERNS regarding the insufficient rollout of Community Closed-Circuit Television systems in communities nationwide after receiving new information that only €500,000 in funding has been spent so far on a scheme that was allocated €2 million to date.
The need for initiating this scheme was first detailed in the Programme for a Partnership Government. The scheme, which began in 2017, is planned to run for three years with an allocation of €1 million in funding each year to assist community groups in the establishment of CCTV in their area.
However, Deputy John Curran has learned through a Parliamentary Question that there has been an underspend on the scheme;
“As a consequence of the data protection issues raised by representatives in Local Authorities across the country, only 20 schemes have received funding to date, with a further 4 schemes under consideration.
“Community based CCTV systems have real potential to prevent crime or at very least deter an escalation of burglaries, theft or aggravated assault. We know this from the small number of communities that have been afforded the opportunity to install the system.
“According to senior Gardaí working on the ground, CCTV schemes have aided policing and have helped support their ongoing work to intercept burglar gangs targeting specific rural regions.
“The difficulties relating to the appointment of Local Authority based data controllers have been thankfully rectified but a number of other barriers continue to impede the full rollout of the scheme in the communities that so badly need it.
“The Minister needs to step up consultations with the Local Government Management Agency and the County and City Management Association with a view to resolving the remaining concerns.
“Overall, Garda resources are limited and are in no way sufficient enough to be able to prevent every single crime that unfolds – CCTV can work in tandem and support their good work,” he concluded.
