Denis Landy (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I wish to raise the issue of closed circuit television, CCTV, cameras in rural towns. In 2004, the then Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform provided funding for 21 systems across the country. That number was increased nationally to 49 and included cities. A new system was then introduced whereby communities could apply for funding. A sum of €4 million was made available to 45 communities. In addition, RAPID - revitalising areas through planning, investment and development - areas throughout the country were able to apply for a maximum of €100,000 in funding.

The system has been very successful in the towns where CCTV has been installed. It was installed in my home town of Carrick-on-Suir in 2007 and the town experienced a massive decrease in street violence and vandalism. However, those who insist on perpetrating damage to people's property, carrying out violent acts and attacking elderly people now know where CCTV is not available, so it is time that towns in rural Ireland are provided with extra funding to install extra cameras to prevent such occurrences. I ask the Leader to bring this matter to the attention of the Minister for Justice and Equality so further funding will be provided to upgrade, enhance and improve the existing CCTV systems in rural areas, particularly in Carrick-on-Suir.