Community CCTV scheme could help fight crime, vandalism

Given the recent spate of criminal damage and vandalism in Kilcullen, the announcement of funding last week for local communities might well be worth looking into, writes Brian Byrne.

The scheme was confirmed last week at the National Ploughing Championships by Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan. Up to €1m will be made available for each of the next three years to local communities who want to install such systems.

Kildare South TD Martin Heydon welcomed the announcement, saying he could see a 'huge benefit' for communities in the constituency.

“Myself and my fellow Fine Gael Cllrs met Minister Flanagan in the Dail in July to discuss this scheme and see how it could benefit Kildare communities," he said. "This confirmation of funding now available is a further incentive for local communities to get involved with the scheme, which merges new technologies with the traditional custom of community involvement in tackling and reporting crime."

The Minister also announced a further rebate scheme for local Text Alert Groups for 2017. The scheme which also ran in 2016 will allow Text Alert Groups registered with An Garda Síochána to apply for funding to contribute towards their yearly running costs.

Deputy Heydon is pictured at the announcement at the ploughing with Minister for Justice Charlie Flanagan and Minister for Rural Affairs Michael Ring.