Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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519. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the amount of funding allocated to each local authority for CCTV schemes; and the amount of funding drawn down, in tabular form. [58043/22]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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I understand that the Deputy is referring to community-based CCTV schemes. Since 2017, my Department has administered a grant aid scheme supporting groups wishing to establish a community-based CCTV system in their area.

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. Funding continues to be available for those wishing to make applications.

The CCTV grant scheme was extended in 2019 to cover not only new CCTV systems but to also provide funding for the extension or upgrade of existing CCTV systems which are incomplete or obsolete. Applicants may now also seek a once-off grant of up to €5,000 for minor maintenance costs.

Community-based CCTV is governed by Section 38(3)(c) of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 and the Garda Síochána (CCTV) Order 2006 (SI 289 of 2006). This legal framework requires that any proposed community CCTV scheme must:

- be approved by the local Joint Policing Committee,

- have the prior support of the relevant local authority, which must also act as data controller, and

- have the authorisation of the Garda Commissioner.

This is the legal basis for all community CCTV schemes, regardless of how they are funded. These key legal requirements have not changed since 2006.

To date 36 schemes have been approved for funding by my Department with a value of €958,689 committed to these projects.

The table below shows the funding breakdown by Local Authority including the funds drawn down.

Funding Breakdown by Local Authority

Support and assistance for those running CCTV schemes is available by contacting: fundsadmin-comm-based-cctv@justice.ie