Tony Gregory (Dublin Central, Independent)
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Question 150: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if a decision has been made arising from the request of residents at Montpelier Hill and Arbour Hill, Dublin 7 for the installation of closed circuit television to help curtail the problem of street prostitution in the area. [17742/06]

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 D.M.R. North Central Division which outlines the CCTV requirements of the Division. The Montpelier Hill and Arbour Hill areas form part of the D.M.R. North Central Division.

The report has been considered by the CCTV Advisory Committee who are currently in consultation with the Divisional Officer for DMR North Central with a view to establishing the priority areas for the installation of CCTV cameras in that area of the city. The policing need for installation of CCTV in the Montpelier and Arbour Hill areas will be considered in this context.

In addition, 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 20th 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/groups who 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. I am informed that the Dublin 7 CCTV Action Group made a successful application for Stage 1 funding of €5,000 in respect of the Montpelier and Arbour Hill areas. This grant was paid to the Group on 21 April 2006.

I plan to make a further call for proposals under the Scheme in the coming months and it is open to the Dublin 7 CCTV Action Group or any other community groups in the area to submit an application for funding under the Scheme when it is announced.