Delay in Community CCTV Scheme unsatisfactory – O’Brien

Fianna Fáil TD in Dublin Fingal, Darragh O’Brien says the delay in initiating the Community Closed-Circuit Television Scheme which was detailed in the Programme for a Partnership Government, is unsatisfactory.

The Minister for Justice and Equality has confirmed to Deputy O’Brien that her Department has ‘instigated a review of the effectiveness of the Community CCTV Scheme in conjunction with the Garda authorities.'

Commenting on the issue, Deputy O’Brien said, “In the Dáil earlier this week, I raised the Minister’s commitment to provide investment in CCTV systems along the road network and in urban centers.

“I am very conscious of the value that communities, especially communities in Dublin Fingal, place on CCTV as a means of deterring crime and assisting in the detection of offenders. This was a programme commitment and to learn that development of the proposal will now depend on the outcome of a review is discouraging, most especially for the community groups interested in applying for funding.

“To begin review at this stage, when small villages and towns in North County Dublin are  deeply troubled by crime, is not acceptable. This Government must do all it can to assist communities affected by crime and burglary.

“I will continue to question the matter and do my utmost to ensure that this scheme is introduced in full and as initially committed to as part the Programme for a Partnership Government,” concluded O’Brien.