John Curran (Dublin Mid West, Fianna Fail)
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187. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of community-based CCTV schemes funded by his Department since the new scheme was announced in April 2017; the number established nationally; the location of each of the established community based CCTV schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14535/18]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy is aware, my Department launched a Community-based CCTV grant-aid Scheme to assist groups in the establishment of community-based CCTV systems in their local areas.

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.

Of the 4 approved applications for funding, 3 separate schemes are to be established in County Wexford and 1 in County Wicklow.

Under the Scheme, 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.

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.