CCTV systems to be installed in 17 towns

CCTV systems monitored by the Garda are to be installed in 17 towns around the country in a major expansion of their use, Minister for Justice Michael McDowell announced today.

The new systems, set to be in place by the end of the year, will bring the total number of systems in operation to 26.

CCTV systems are already operating in Dublin's Temple Bar and the O'Connell Street area as well as in Tralee, Cork, Bray, Dundalk, Dún Laoghaire, Galway and Limerick.

CCTV schemes 'both Garda-operated and community-based, provide an gardaí with a valuable investigative tool in the fight against crime' Minister for Justice, Michael Mc Dowell

Mr McDowell said contracts had been recently been signed by the Garda for systems to be installed in the Dublin suburbs of Ballyfermot and Clondalkin and in Tullamore, Co Offaly.

These systems will be installed and operational within the next two months. Tenders have also been issued by the Garda, with a closing date of April 24th next, for the installation of systems in Drogheda, Co Louth; Tallaght, Co Dublin; Mullingar, Co Westmeath; Waterford; Portlaoise, Co Laois; Kilkenny; Sligo; Castlebar, Co Mayo; and Ennis, Co Clare.

Tenders will be issued "very shortly" for systems in Athlone, Co Westmeath; Carlow; Clonmel, Co Tipperary; Dungarvan, Co Waterford; and Kinsale, Co Cork.

Speaking in Tullamore, Mr McDowell said CCTV schemes "both Garda-operated and community-based, provide an gardaí with a valuable investigative tool in the fight against crime.

The Tánaiste also announced grant aid of €1 million for 11 additional local community groups for the installation of CCTV systems, as well as funding for CCTV schemes in Local Authority housing schemes occupied by older people.

"They are a strong deterrent to the commissioning of many crimes and are complementary to high visibility policing utilising both foot and mobile patrols," he added.