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Just 20 schemes have received funding to date under a €1m scheme to assist community groups in establishing CCTV in their areas, Fianna Fáil spokesperson on justice Jim O’Callaghan has said.
He also said that only four are currently under consideration under the scheme.
Funding allocated
Earlier in 2018, €1m in funding was allocated under the scheme to assist community groups in the establishment of CCTV in their area.
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 four schemes under consideration, Fianna Fáil has said.
“Community-based CCTV systems have the real potential to prevent crime or at very least deter an escalation of burglaries, theft or aggravated assault.
A number of other barriers continue to impede the full rollout of the scheme
"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 [for Justice Charlie Flanagan] 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 to be able to prevent every single crime that unfolds – CCTV can work in tandem and support their good work,” he said.
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