John Curran (Dublin Mid West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 321: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he intends to advertise and invite submissions for another round of community based closed circuit television systems; and if so, when he expects that this might happen. [7471/06]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context

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 closing date for receipt of applications was 20 September 2005.

The community based CCTV scheme offered two stages or options that were designed to meet the requirements of communities in both of these situations. Stage 1 offered pre-development supports and possible funding for organisations and groups which were not yet ready to develop their proposals fully or utilise funds. The stage 2 process offered a direct application process, to access funds, to those organisations who could demonstrate an ability to develop and deliver a CCTV programme immediately.

The day to day administration of this scheme is carried out by Pobal, formerly Area Development Management Limited, on behalf of my Department. More than €1 million in grant aid has already been allocated to 37 communities under the scheme and many of these could see their CCTV systems in operation before the end of the year. I plan to make a further call for proposals under the scheme in the coming months.