THE approval of the Garda Commissioner to formally authorise six community-based CCTV schemes in Limerick has been welcomed locally.
The authorisation covers CCTV schemes at Rathkeale with additional CCTV across six locations; Castletroy Greenway with new CCTV at four locations; the People’s Park in Limerick City with new CCTV at four locations; Moyross and St Mary’s Park with new CCTV at two locations and two relocations of existing cameras; Killeely/Garryowen with new a CCTV scheme comprising 15 locations, and Weston Gardens with new CCTV at one location.
Fianna Fáil TD Willie O’Dea has welcomed the decision by the Garda Commissioner to formally authorise the six CCTV schemes, deeming it “brilliant news for the communities where these cameras will be located as local people were crying out for these cameras to help deal with anti-social behaviour and crime”.
The Garda Commissioner authorisation is a statutory requirement for community-based CCTV schemes and reflects the policing and community safety case that has been made for these locations. The CCTV systems being installed will not be live‑monitored and will operate on a recording-only basis.
With Garda authorisation now in place from Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly, Limerick Council has moved into the planning and delivery phase for these schemes. The rollout of the CCTV schemes represents a significant and complex programme of work, encompassing detailed project planning, technical design, governance and data protection compliance, procurement, and long term operational and maintenance considerations.
Labour Party TD Conor Sheehan also welcomed the approval of the schemes, insisting that Limerick needs a comprehensive network of CCTV cameras for the safety and security of everyone who lives in our community.
“There is currently only one working camera in Garryowen and the area is a policing blackspot.  The lack of a comprehensive CCTV system allowed criminals to act without fear of being apprehended and impeded the work of An Garda SÃochána. I am delighted that the Commissioner has finally approved this CCTV,” Deputy Sheehan commented.
“We now need to see a tender package and a timeline from Limerick City and County Council because the people of Limerick have waited for long enough,” he added.
A key next step will be the preparation and submission of applications under the Department of Justice’s Community-Based CCTV Grant Aid Scheme. Under the rules of that scheme, funding applications can only be made once Garda Commissioner authorisation has been granted, and this work is now actively underway.
At this stage, the Council is developing a structured project plan for the rollout of these schemes. While Garda Commissioner authorisation allows the project to proceed, delivery timelines will be influenced by funding approvals and procurement processes.