Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 1 July 2026
31. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration whether consideration is being given to expanding the use of CCTV in public areas where concerns have been raised regarding anti-social behaviour and public safety in north Dublin; the supports available to local authorities and community groups for such projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49383/26]
View answerCommunity safety is a top priority for my Department and everyone has the right to be safe and to feel safe in their communities.
CCTV in public places has a role in giving people a greater sense of security. The consideration and operation of community CCTV by local authorities is a matter for the local authority concerned. As Minister, I have no role in local authorities and updates on the introduction or rollout of individual community CCTV schemes should be sought from the relevant local authority.
Since 2017 my Department has administered a grant-aid scheme supporting groups wishing to establish a community-based CCTV system in their area, which provides grants of up to €40,000 for capital expenditure and up to €5,000 for maintenance.
This 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. Grants of over €968,000 have been approved to date for 36 Community CCTV schemes.
The Garda Síochána (Recording Devices) Act 2023 provides for a new regime for the authorisation and operation of CCTV schemes. Part 5 of that Act, when commenced, will introduce these new arrangements. There is a requirement under that Act for the Garda Commissioner to develop a Code of Practice for CCTV which will set out the procedures to be followed. As part of developing this new Code of Practice, An Garda Síochána consulted with the bodies listed in Part 8 of the Act and conducted a public consultation for any views or observations on the draft Code of Practice.
Prior to commencement, an amendment is required to the transitional arrangements in section 7 of the 2023 Act, for existing CCTV applications. That amendment has been included in the Garda Síochána (Recording Devices) (Amendment) Bill and is currently before the Houses of the Oireachtas. I expect that the new CCTV provisions set out in Part 5 will be commenced later this year.
With respect to engagement with local authorities to improve public safety in town centres, the Policing, Security and Community Safety Act 2024, which I commenced in April 2025, provides for the establishment of 36 Local Community Safety Partnerships within each local authority area. As Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration I have appointed members to all 36 of these Safety Partnerships.
Local Community Safety Partnerships (Safety Partnerships) have been established across the country to provide a more inclusive, community led and multi-agency approach to local safety. They bring together a broad range of relevant stakeholders to address community safety issues in their area which includes residents, local councillors, community representatives, business and education representatives, and a range of public services including the HSE, Tusla, An Garda Síochána and the local authority. Each Safety Partnerships focuses on concerns identified and prioritised by local people and must develop and implement its own tailored community safety plan.
The National Office for Community Safety, an office of my Department, is providing support and guidance to local authorities on their operation. The National Office has delivered clear guidance to the Local Community Safety Partnerships on their daily operations, alongside separate, tailored guidance on how to develop these Local Community Safety Plans.
The inaugural meeting of Dublin North Central Local Community Safety Partnership was held on 21 January 2026 where they elected their Chair Cllr John Lyons and Vice Chair Cllr. Alison Field.
The inaugural meeting of the Fingal North Local Community Safety Partnership was also held on 21 January 2026 where they elected their Chair, Cllr Corina Johnston, and Vice Chair, Maggie McDonagh.
Contact details for Local Community Safety Partnerships are available at this link.
https://justicegovie.maps.arcgis.com/apps/dashboards/45c092b0ff534dd48bce257bbe7a7dc0
