Brian Stanley (Laois-Offaly, Sinn Fein)
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242. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if a scheme of grants will be reintroduced for community alert schemes to erect cameras. [30472/20]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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Since 2017, my Department has administered a grant aid scheme supporting groups wishing to establish a community-based CCTV system in their area. To date, 29 applications have been approved under the scheme, involving approved grants awarded totalling more than €752,000. Eligible groups, including community groups and local authorities nationwide, can apply for grant aid of up to 60% of the total capital cost of a proposed CCTV system, up to a maximum total of €40,000.

As the Deputy may be aware, last year the grant aid scheme was extended to cover not only new CCTV systems but also to allow funding applications for extension or upgrade of existing Community CCTV systems which are incomplete or obsolete. Applicants can now also seek a once-off grant of up to €5,000 for minor maintenance costs.

Recognising the value of these schemes in helping in the detection of crime in local areas, €1m in funding has been provided for the continuation of this scheme in Budget 2021.

My Department also provides funding to Muintir na Tíre for purposes including Text Alert/Community Alert groups nationwide.