Fianna Fáil Councillor and Chairperson of County Cavan Joint Policing Committee (JPC), John Paul Feeley has called for the reinstatement by the Government of the Scheme to support the development of CCTV networks so as to assist the Gardai after a report from the Cavan Crime & Drugs Unit at a recent meeting of the JPC. ‘The CCTV network in Cavan Town works well. During the course of Operation Sarto last year the main location for arrests were those not covered by the current CCTV network. The Gardai report that as a result of Operation Sarto, those who engage in the sale and distribution of illegal drugs have moved to other more discrete locations. Both of these facts point to the usefulness of the existing cameras and also the acute need to extend them to other areas of the Town.’ Initially installed through a joint initiative of the then Cavan Town Council, the Gardai and funding from the former Department of Community & Gaeltacht Affairs, the network, monitored by the Gardai is used extensively to deal with anti-social behaviour and monitor the movements of suspected criminals. ‘Cavan County Council, through members raising concerns about undesirable activity in certain locations, the issues raised as part of the consultation for the preparation of the Community and Economic Plan have already highlighted the need to extend the CCTV network in Cavan Town and also the need to provide a similar network elsewhere in the County.’ ‘The JPC have already contacted the Department of Justice about the need to develop a new Scheme to support the expansion of existing CCTV networks and the provision of new schemes without delay. The Report from the Cavan Crime & Drugs Unit supports the need to act urgently. ENDS
John Paul Feeley
Fianna Fáil Member of Cavan County Council
