Cost of CCTV for Tipperary towns is astronomical so is it worth the cost?

A draft CCTV Policy for towns across Tipperary was one of the topics raised and debated robustly at the Tipperary County Council meeting which took place on Friday last in Clonmel.

Some Councillors were astounded at the costs relating to CCTV cameras in towns while others felt it was necessary cost of modern technology to ensure safe towns in the 21st Century.

Councillor Marie Murphy said that from her reading of the policy “there is going to be no councillors on the Oversight Board but yet we have to pass a budget for the installation of CCTV and we have no input,” she said.

Focusing on certain elements of the policy, Councillor Murphy spoke about the cost to replace 13 cameras in Carrick-On-Suir as well as other cameras needed elsewhere with a full new installation.

The whopping cost of the latest technology came in at a cost of €255,000 which Cllr Murphy said was hard to comprehend:
“To my mind that is unbelievable! That works out at just under ten thousand per camera!”

She asked the Council representatives present if a ballpark figure for the full cost could be given. Cllr Murphy also queried if more details could be explained further which focused on relating to matters such as the operation of the CCTV regarding Community CCTV and Property Security Surveillance CCTV as well as other relevant information.

In response the Council representative said that the Oversight Board would install and maintain cameras as well as ensuring everything was done.

“We haven’t had a sustainable model,” he said reflecting on the past while agreeing that the figure does seem very high for cameras in 2024. He stressed that an adequate CCTV system “should not replace Gardai on the ground.”

Body Cams and Covert CCTV would “be removed” he said stressing that the cameras are for Community CCTV and Property surveillance primarily. Cllr Murphy in response said that: “In Tipp, Cahir, Cashel District your talking about Tipp town, Cahir and Cashel looking for CCTV.

“You are talking the guts of a million euros to install the cameras without going next to nor near smaller towns and villages in the area!

“It just seems a massive cost,” she said while questioning if there was better value to be got elsewhere.
The Council Representative said in response that he did think that they would be able to drive down costs and said there is different types of cameras.

“We have 13 in Carrick, we wanted to put in 26 but you narrow it down to what you can afford. That is what you have to do with a view to maybe expanding it in the future. The community in Roscrea have been fundraising for this and to put money aside in fairness to them and that has been very welcome.”

Councillor Pat English thanked “Brian and his team” for all their work but said he had serious concerns as well.
“You are talking about big money here. I don’t think any Districts could fork out money or major money to fund a CCTV system,” he said.

Councillor Noel Coonan said “at last we are seeing signs of progress,” and told the meeting that there was anger “out there” in relation to this topic.

Consultants reports had to be updated and it all cost money he said. He pointed out that “there are companies in Tipperary who can do this,” making reference to what he called “a company in Cashel” and said they could reduce expenses with “the iCloud system” and moniter it.

He felt that costs could be reduced if it was “pruned and trimmed” urging them on to use local expertise in the matter: “use the local knowledge.

“Up until now there was just one group of consultants who dominated it and charged what they liked. There wasn’t open competition on it and I would urge that there is competition on it particularly in relation to the iCloud system.”

Councillor David Dunne pointed out that if the cameras weren’t good enough they couldn't be used in a criminal investigation or a rescue situation.

He stressed the need for quality in relation to the cameras used: “There were a couple of incidents where the cameras weren’t up to standard and I want to give people the heads up that it could actually save lives so I think this is very important that we minimise the costs and support it otherwise it won't get off the ground.”

Councillor Ambrose said they were waiting “a lifetime” in Clonmel town or this technology: “we have been through two Chief Commissioners, we are now on our third Superintendent” she said before adding “three District Administrators”.

Her words created context in relation to how long Clonmel people are waiting for progress regarding this.
She suggested sending a letter to the Commissioners office in Dublin regarding the delay as it would increase the possibility of getting an update.

The conversation rumbled on with similiar and contrasting views.
Councillor Joe Hannigan spoke his mind, saying that the figures on CCTV cameras just didn’t add up:
“Based on the figures Brian has brought before us I would suggest that is not possible because every town in the county will want CCTV,” he said.

He went on to caution the Council in a frank manner : “I think you are going to saddle every town in the county with ongoing costs!

“Why not get two more guards or three more guards in a town rather than spending that kind of money?

“I don't think CCTV is going to solve the problems,” Councillor Hannigan said before making clear to the Council that “we want to be very, very careful where we are heading with this.”