Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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Question 731: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if closed circuit television, CCTV, cameras will be installed in the Stoneybatter area of Dublin city; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15283/06]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I have been informed by the Garda authorities that the CCTV advisory committee, that was established by the Garda Commissioner to advise on CCTV matters, has received a report from the Chief Superintendent of the Dublin metropolitan region, north central division, which outlines the CCTV requirements of the division. In this report recommendations were made for the installation of CCTV cameras in the Benburb Street, north quays and Manor Street areas. The report has been considered by the CCTV advisory committee which is currently in consultation with the divisional officer for the Dublin metropolitan region north central division with a view to establishing the priority areas for the installation of CCTV cameras in that region.

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.

Under this scheme, communities could apply for grant aid funding of up to €100,000 from the Department to install a CCTV system in their area. In addition, the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs gave a commitment to provide successful applicants from RAPID areas with a further grant to a maximum of €100,000 subject to the total grant aid from both Departments not exceeding €200,000 or 100% of the capital costs of the project, whichever is the lesser.

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 or 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 which could demonstrate an ability to develop and deliver a CCTV programme immediately.

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 and it is open to community groups in the Stoneybatter area to submit an application for funding under the scheme when it is announced.