An Garda Siochána has acknowledged that the public CCTV scheme operating in Killorglin for a number of years is in need of reinvestment with a number of replacement cameras and a new networking system needed.
The matter was raised at a Kerry Joint Policing Committee (JPC) meeting by Cllr Michael Cahill who said a number of cameras are not working and locals are very annoyed.
“It was brought to my attention locally that out of all the cameras in the CCTV system in Killorglin, located at the Bianconi, Bunkers, Fair Field, Mulvihill’s Pharmacy and Langford Street, only one camera is now in working order.
“Prior to the CCTV system being under the management of Kerry County Council, funds were raised locally to upgrade and replace some of the cameras,” he said.
Cllr Cahill also called for additional cameras to be installed in every town and village throughout the county including at strategic locations on main roads.
“The provision of cameras will help prevent crime and help bring those responsible for crimes committed to justice.
“Placing cameras at strategic locations will help in bringing roaming gangs within the county to justice and will act as a deterrent and the very same can be said for roaming gangs from outside the county,” Cllr Cahill remarked.
Gardai said the Killorglin system is a seven-camera scheme implemented a number of years ago.
Work has advanced to put a new joint data controller agreement in place which will give gardai operational access to the scheme and facilities such as live view and playback with appropriate auditing.
“The scheme is in need of reinvestment with a number of cameras and networking in need of replacing,” the JPC meeting heard.
Gardai said if the scheme was to be expanded it would need to be treated like a new application, funding would have to be identified and approval would have to be sought from Garda Commissioner.
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