Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

372. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of applications received to date under the community CCTV scheme; the number approved; the funding approved to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12899/18]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

As the Deputy is aware, my Department has launched a Community-based CCTV grant-aid Scheme to assist groups in the establishment of community-based CCTV systems in their local areas, in pursuance of a commitment in the Programme for a Partnership Government.

There has been an increasing level of enquiries relating to the Scheme. Some 11 applications have been received to date and I understand that a number of other applications are currently being readied for submission.

4 applications under the Scheme have been approved to date, with approved funding totalling almost €120,000. A further 4 applications are under active consideration. The remaining 3 applications have been returned to the applicants concerned to enable them to provide the information necessary to qualify for grant-aid.

Under the Scheme, which is being administered by my Department, eligible community groups can apply for grant-aid of up to 60% of the total capital cost of a proposed CCTV system, up to a maximum grant of €40,000. Upon approval of the grant, the applicant will receive an up-front payment of 50% of the grant with the balance to be paid when the system is fully operational.

Full details of the grant aid package including guidelines, application forms, code of practice and other relevant documentation are all available to download from my Department's website - www.justice.ie.

I am very conscious of the value that communities, especially rural communities, place on CCTV as a means of deterring crime and assisting in the detection of offenders and I would encourage interested groups to avail of the Scheme.