Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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Question 93: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his Department has been informed of a timeframe for the roll out of speed cameras in view of the fact that a preferred bidder for the speed cameras has been identified; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23376/08]

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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Question 110: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the latest position with regard to the installation of the promised nationwide speed camera network; when it is expected that the tender will be awarded; if his attention has been drawn to the concern expressed by the chairman of the Road Safety Authority, Mr. Gay Byrne, at the implications for road safety of the delays in installing the system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27024/08]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 93 and 110 together.

Following a two stage tender and evaluation process, a preferred bidder has been selected. Following a cooling off period in accordance with standard procurement procedures, the intention is that An Garda Síochána will shortly commence contract discussions with the preferred bidder. A rollout of the network of cameras would commence following conclusion of a contract. Rollout would involve a service start-up phase, which would include drawing up policy and procedures by the service provider and their approval by An Garda Síochána; service testing, following which the Garda Commissioner would issue a service commencement certificate; and rollout of the service until operating at full capacity.

Every effort is being made to proceed with the project as speedily as possible. However, I am not in a position to indicate a specific timescale for the project until the contract discussions are concluded.

In addition to the camera network, significant resources are being provided to enforce road traffic law and thereby increase road safety. As well as increases which have taken place in personnel for the Traffic Corps, there has also been a significant increase in the financial resources provided for road traffic equipment, including for the replacement and upgrading of current mobile speed detection equipment and the introduction of an automated number plate recognition system.