Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 77: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding applications for closed circuit television cameras in towns in County Mayo; and when decisions will be made on these applications. [38302/06]

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 78: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the towns in County Mayo that have applied for the provision of closed circuit television cameras. [38303/06]

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 79: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding the provision of closed circuit television in County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38304/06]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 77 to 79, inclusive, together.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that Castlebar is one of the 17 locations nationwide which form part of the Garda CCTV programme that remains to be completed.

I am advised that the Garda authorities propose to take over the existing CCTV system in Castlebar Town. This system was installed in 2004 by a local group called Castlebar CCTV Ltd. I understand that negotiations are due to take place shortly with Castlebar Town Council regarding equipment transfer and annual maintenance. I am further informed by the Garda authorities that an application for a Garda CCTV system in Ballina has been received by the CCTV Advisory Committee. This application is currently under consideration by the Committee. No other applications for Garda CCTV systems in Co. Mayo have been received by the Garda CCTV Advisory Committee .

As the Deputy may be aware I launched the Community Based CCTV Scheme on 15 June 2005 in response to the demonstrated demand from local communities across Ireland for the provision of CCTV systems. This Scheme is designed to provide financial assistance to qualifying local organisations towards meeting the capital costs associated with the establishment of local community CCTV systems. Ballina (CCTV Steering Committee) and Kiltimagh (IRD) both submitted proposals for Stage 1 (pre-development) funding under this Scheme. No other applications were received from local authorities, towns or communities in Co. Mayo.

Following thorough assessments of their applications, a pre-development grant of €5,000 was approved in respect of Ballina (CCTV Steering Committee's) application. I understand that Ballina Town Council formed part of this Committee. Kiltimagh's (IRD) application for funding was deemed not to reach a high enough standard to be granted funding at this stage. It is intended to invite a new round of applications for funding under this Scheme in the coming months, and it is, of course, open to any local authority or other group in Co. Mayo to submit an application for funding at that stage.