As the Deputy may be aware, 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. As part of the first tranche, Garda CCTV systems are to be installed in the following areas – Athlone, Bray, Clondalkin, Dundalk, Dún Laoghaire, Finglas, Galway, Limerick, Waterford and Tallaght.
In this regard, I am informed by the Garda authorities that tenders will soon issue, in line with EU and public procurement guidelines, for the provision of town centre CCTV systems in Bray, Dundalk, Dún Laoghaire, Finglas, Galway and Limerick. Tenders received must then be evaluated before any contracts can be placed. While this process will inevitably take time, it is expected that the CCTV system in Bray will be operational during the final quarter of 2001.
I am further informed by the Garda authorities that a local town centre CCTV implementation committee will be established by the local chief superintendent in each area where a Garda CCTV system is to be installed. The local chief superintendent will have responsibility for overseeing the implementation of the CCTV sys tem in his or her particular area. The composition of this committee will include representatives of the following: the Garda telecommunications section which will project manage the technical aspects of the system, local crime prevention officers, the ESB, the local authority, the Office of Public Works and local business interests.
I am also informed by the Garda authorities that a total of 27 cars had their tyres slashed during the night of 6/7 April 2001. The incidents occurred in a number of locations and were not targeted to a particular area. The matter is currently under investigation by the detective unit at Bray and, to date, there are no suspects or motives.