Frustration grows as funding model holds up CCTV schemes

Thurles-Templemore councillors have called for the progression of CCTV schemes.

Cllr Jim Ryan said the upgrade of the Thurles CCTV was becoming more and more important.

“Since our last meeting, we have had more serious issues with anti-social behaviour, and people are worried,” said Cllr Ryan.

Cllr Sean Ryan said the Littleton scheme needed to go ahead.

He said small communities get targeted for crime, especially this time of year.

“We could do with getting it switched on,” said Cllr Ryan.

CCTV was part of the discussion on community and economic development at last week's sitting of Thurles-Templemore Municipal District council.

A spokesperson for Tipperary County Council said funding for CCTV schemes needed to be decided by the municipal districts.

District Administrator Sharon Scully said the only discretionary funding at the Municipal level was General Municipal Allocation (GMA).

She said a budget needed to be developed for the maintenance of CCTV.

However, Cllr Noel Coonan criticised the council for the hold-up in implementation. He said the schemes suffered because of changes to personnel and a reluctance to fund them.

He also said Roscrea’s scheme was more complicated because it is a heritage town, and installing new posts would be inappropriate.

He said he was aware the new Director of Services for Economic, Community and Rural Development, Brian Beck, was looking at options for funding but was also aware that Clonmel and Nenagh districts were funding their schemes.

“There’s a bit of reluctance here to fund it.

“ The council will have to step up to the plate,” he said.

Cllr Coonan said the schemes were essential for fighting crime and ensuring public safety.

A recent sitting of the Tipperary Joint Policing Committee was told that a total of six schemes had been recommended to the garda commissioner for approval.