Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 July 2026
544. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if the community-based CCTV grant aid scheme is still open for applications; if sports clubs can apply for support through this scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53120/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraCommunity safety is a top priority for my Department and everyone has the right to be safe and to feel safe in their communities.
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, allowing for a member of Garda personnel or a Local Authority to apply in writing to the Commissioner of An Garda Síochána for an authorisation of CCTV. Pending the commencement of part 5 of the Act and the introduction of new arrangements, no new applications are being accepted.
The Deputy may wish to note that 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 also 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 which has recently passed both Houses of the Oireachtas and is awaiting Presidential signature. I expect that the new CCTV provisions set out in Part 5 will be commenced this summer.
