Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 May 2026
835. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration for an update in relation to the development of the online digital evidence device management storage system allowing members to upload footage of traffic incidents; the implementing timeline on this; the cost; when it is likely to be launched; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34593/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for Government outlines the commitment to creating safer roads for everyone in Ireland. While the development and implementation of road traffic legislation and policy falls within the remit of the Minister for Transport, road traffic laws are enforced by Gardaí in Roads Policing and as part of the day-to-day duties of uniformed Gardaí nationwide.
Increased numbers of Gardaí and enhanced Garda visibility will form an important pillar to help deliver the Department of Justice’s actions in support for the National Road Safety Strategy 2021-2030.
As part of An Garda Síochána’s ongoing commitment to road safety, an online Traffic Watch reporting form has been available since August 2024. It is a partnership approach with all road users to improve driver behaviour, reduce the number of road collisions and prevent fatalities. More information on the Traffic Watch Reporting Form is available on the Garda website: [www.garda.ie/en/roads-policing/traffic-watch/]
An Garda Síochána have also committed to delivering a system which will enable the public to report and upload video footage via on online portal, and such a system would include video from road users regarding road traffic offences.
This will require the development of a Digital Evidence Management System (DEMS) to store, manage and process any footage received. The procurement of the DEMS forms part of the wider procurement project for body worn cameras currently ongoing with An Garda Síochána. The portal will not be live until after completion of this procurement process and the national roll out of body worn cameras.
Capital funding for DEMS and the Body-Worn Cameras programme was prioritised and allocated through the National Development Plan for An Garda Síochána.
A pilot rollout of BWCs started in 2024 and is ongoing. There are now 600 Body Worn Cameras in use across the five proof-of-concept stations including 3 Dublin stations. Over 800 Gardaí are trained in the use of body worn cameras across the four Divisions where the Proof of Concept is operational.
The next step is in progress to move from POC to the establishment of a full programme for procuring and implementing a National Body Worn Solution with a secure local Digital Evidence Management Solution (DEMS) for An Garda Síochána. It will provide secure digital sharing and the capability to extend to other recording devices, once an Enterprise DEMS has been rolled out in a later phase.
