Mike Kennelly (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I also welcome Deputy Cahill, Ms Tongour and Ms Dunne to the Upper House today. I will speak on a project down in Kerry that Deputy Cahill has supported. I welcome the recent granting of planning permission for the Shannon LNG 600 MW power plant on the Shannon Estuary at the 630-acre land bank at Tarbert-Ballylongford. This marks a milestone for the national energy sector and the local community. This development brings with it a range of socioeconomic benefits including the creation of hundreds of jobs during the construction and operational phases, providing long-term employment opportunities for local people who want to live, work and raise a family in north Kerry. It will also stimulate local businesses through increased demand for services and goods, fostering economic growth in the surrounding areas. It is a new dawn for north Kerry.

On another issue, we need to take a serious look at the provision of CCTV surveillance across the country. This has become increasingly important in addressing safety concerns following serious community incidents and events. CCTV systems act as a visible deterrent to potential criminals, individuals or groups considering illegal activities. When they know they will be monitored, CCTV discourages such behaviour and will prevent crimes including antisocial behaviour, theft, vandalism, assault and illegal dumping. On Hallowe'en night 2024, at Tarbert, a village I just mentioned that is next to Ballylongford in north Kerry, villagers experienced significant disturbances that deeply affected the local community. Groups of young individuals wearing balaclavas and hoodies roamed the streets, setting off fireworks, leaving residents terrorised and under siege. In response to these events, gardaí conducted interviews and made five arrests relating to antisocial behaviour. CCTV can help provide real-time monitoring of public spaces, increasing feelings of public safety and providing valuable evidence for any investigations. I ask that the Minister for Justice address the House on this matter.