Irish Rural Link (IRL ), the national network representing the interest of rural communities have today, with its base in Moate, has welcomed news that local authorities will now be the data controllers for the community CCTV scheme.
The CCTV programme had been stalled for a number of months due to various concerns around data protection and the responsibility of the maintenance of the cameras beyond the scheme. IRL were supportive of the introduction of this programme in communities and in their submission on the consultation on ‘Future of Policing in Ireland’ earlier this year, called for a greater role for local authorities in the programme.
Communities now need the support of their local authority and local Gardaí to explore if this scheme will be a good fit for them. Neighbourhood watch and community text alert schemes have played an important role in helping to reduce crimes in rural areas where they are in place. The CCTV scheme can be an extra security for communities to ensure that crime is minimised in their area and IRL would encourage communities to consider the scheme.
