Vol. 533 No. 6
391 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he proposes to provide back-up funding and assistance for provision of closed circuit television for the principal streets of Castlebar, County Mayo in view of the moneys provided by the chambers of commerce and local business for this purpose; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9882/01]
All applications for Garda CCTV systems must be prepared in co-operation with the local Garda district and divisional officers and receive their full support. Funding for Garda CCTV systems is normally provided jointly by local community interests and my Department. It has been the experience of the Garda authorities that the cost of an efficient and effective CCTV system is, on average, £20,000 to £25,000 per camera plus an additional amount towards civil works. This additional amount varies according to the availability of ducting etc.
I announced last November that a total of £12 million was to be allocated towards the installation of CCTV systems nationwide over the next three years – as part of the Garda CCTV expansion programme – with £4 million being allocated in 2001. An application for a Garda CCTV system in Castlebar is being considered in the context of this programme.
