LONG promised plans to install CCTV cameras in Killarney town, on the approach roads to the town and in Ballyspillane estate have taken a step closer following the publication of a request for tenders by Kerry County Council.
The local authority published a notice on eTenders seeking proposals from competent and experienced CCTV consultants and designers to review the specifications of the equipment required to roll-out the Killarney scheme.
Cllr Niall Kelleher, who sought an update on the situation, was told that the action was necessary to take account of the changes in technology and data protection requirements since the original application for funding was submitted in 2018.
In addition, work is underway on the preparation of a data protection impact assessment for the schemes as required under the 2018 Act. This will require formal consultations with An Garda Siochana in relation to how the schemes would be operated and managed in the context of data protection legislation.
Cllr Kelleher was told that the entire process as “exceptionally slow” but the council has asked for an early estimate to be provided.
“We don’t have a timeline. We are working with An Garda Siochana and there is extensive work to be done,” said municipal district manager Angela McAllen.
State-of-the-art security camera systems have been earmarked Killarney town, inner and outer, as well as Ballyspillane where some issues of concern have arisen in recent years and following a request for action from the residents’ association.
Justice Minister, Helen McEntee, had previously approved part grant payments for the Killarney scheme which had an estimated price tag of €160,000.
It emerged last April the town centre CCTV system would cost €67,000, the Killarney outer system carries a price tag of €52,090 and the Ballyspillane system would cost €40,400.
The 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.
When he previously raised the matter last April, Cllr Niall Kelleher said community CCTV would be a great benefit to Killarney if installed in full compliance with data protection guidelines.
He said it is his understanding that when it comes to the Killarney system, real-time access to the garda station would be possible with agreement from the data protection regulator.
