Willie Penrose (Longford-Westmeath, Labour)
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Question 182: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason for the delay in the installation of closed circuit television facilities in Athlone, County Westmeath, which has been promised for a considerable period of time; if he will take steps to ensure that the provision of same will proceed without further delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19364/07]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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I am committed to the further expansion of the Garda CCTV programme around the country and this process is ongoing. Tenders have been invited by the Garda authorities for a further 14 systems, including a system for Athlone town centre. The closing date for receipt of tenders for Athlone is 26 July 2007. Depending on the outcome of the tender process it is anticipated that installation of the system will commence later this year. An important development with regard to the Garda CCTV systems is the decision to outsource their implementation and ongoing support. This approach will contribute to the speedier implementation. Another significant aspect is the decision by An Garda Síochána to implement, where possible, wireless technology. This will limit the need for costly and time-consuming excavation works when CCTV systems are being installed.