Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 July 2024
528. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Justice if a closed-circuit television service is to be installed in Tullow, County Carlow; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29586/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy may be aware, since 2017, my Department has administered a grant-aid scheme supporting groups wishing to establish a community-based CCTV system in their area.
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.
I can confirm that officials in my Department have been in contact with Carlow County Council regarding the applications raised by the Deputy. I am informed that the Chief Executive proposes to arrange a meeting with the Carlow Superintendent, elected members of the Municipal District of Tullow and local community groups in relation to this matter.
I can inform the Deputy that grants of over €950,000 have been approved to date for 36 Community CCTV schemes. A further €1 million in funding has been made available towards the development of community-based CCTV schemes in 2024. Applications for funding are now open and can be made directly by the relevant Local Authorities. This level of funding underlines my commitment to working with communities to ensure everyone feels safe.
The legal framework which provides for the operation of community CCTV requires that any proposed scheme must:
• be approved by the local Joint Policing Committee (until JPCs are replaced by Local Community Safety Partnerships),
• have a data protection impact assessment prepared,
• have the prior support of the relevant local authority, which must act as a joint data controller with An Garda Síochána and a joint data controller agreement must be put in place, and
• have the authorisation of the Garda Commissioner.
The Garda Síochána (Recording Devices) Act 2023, which was signed into law in December last year, will reform CCTV schemes. Under the Act, community groups will continue to have their say in keeping their community safe as they will be able to request schemes in their area.
