Michael Lowry (Tipperary North, Independent)
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Question 312: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason a town (details supplied) in County Tipperary was unsuccessful in applying for closed circuit television; when security cameras will be provided in the town; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4582/06]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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As the Deputy may be aware, I launched the community based CCTV scheme last year in response to a demonstrated demand from local communities across Ireland for the provision of CCTV systems. The purpose of the scheme is to support local communities who wish to install and maintain CCTV security systems in their area, with the aim of increasing public safety and reducing the risk of anti-social and criminal activity. The day-to-day administration of this scheme is being carried out by Pobal, formerly Area Development Management Limited, on behalf of my Department.

I am informed by Pobal that an application for stage 2 grant aid funding under the community based CCTV scheme was received from Thurles Chamber of Commerce. Applications for funding were thoroughly assessed against the criteria set out in the community based CCTV scheme application guidelines with a view to forming a list of projects suitable for funding under the scheme. All applications, including those recommended for funding by Pobal, were then considered by the community based CCTV project board, which is chaired by this Department, before I made a final decision on the matter.

Following a thorough assessment of its application, Thurles Chamber of Commerce's application for funding was deemed not to reach a high enough standard to be granted funding. I understand that Pobal recently provided feedback directly to all unsuccessful applicants under the scheme, including Thurles Chamber of Commerce.

It is intended to invite a new round of applications for funding under the community based CCTV scheme in the coming months, and it is, of course, open to Thurles Chamber of Commerce to submit another application for funding at that stage.

I am advised that an application for a Garda CCTV system in Thurles from local Garda management and Thurles Chamber of Commerce, which had been submitted to the CCTV advisory committee for consideration, was withdrawn in early 2003 as it was the chamber of commerce's intention to install a community based CCTV system. I am further advised that no new application for a Garda CCTV system in Thurles has since been received by the advisory committee.

All applications for such Garda CCTV systems must meet the relevant criteria, be prepared in co-operation with the local Garda district and divisional officers and receive their full support. The application is then considered by the CCTV advisory committee which makes a recommendation, through the Garda Commissioner, to myself.