Calls for CCTV in Ballina over concerns about vandalism

Ballina councillor Phyll Bulger has called for CCTV to be installed at Riverside Park in Ballina.

At last week’s sitting of Tipperary County Council, Cllr Bulger said many people travel into Ballina during the summer months.

She said there are concerns about vandalism of local amenities, and she does not see why CCTV projects are taking so long to implement.

“Surely it is not rocket science to put CCTV in towns in 2023. We are at our wits end,” said Cllr Bulger.

Director of Services for Economic, Community and Rural Development Brian Beck said the council is looking at installing CCTV in Ballina on their own property.

He said this would mean a community application made through the gardaí would not be necessary.

“So we are looking at what opportunities we have there to get that done to start with and then look at our options in the town,” said Mr Beck.
Momentum

The issue of CCTV has been a regular feature of the council, distinct and JPC meetings over the past year.

This month was no different.

Cllrs Sean Ryan and Noel Coonan said the council must not lose ‘momentum’ regarding the progress that has been made.

Cllr Ryan called for a letter to be sent to the garda commissioner to have the Littleton CCTV project approved.

He said he understands that it is still a complicated matter, but the infrastructure is in place, and permission to switch it on is all that is needed.

“So I’d ask, can we send a letter and get it sorted and turned on? It would be hugely beneficial to communities who are vulnerable to highway crime,” said Cllr Ryan.

Cllr Noel Coonan supported the call for a letter but said the council needed ‘‘to get its own house in order’ first. He said the major issue he sees is not permission but funding.

Cllr Coonan criticised the council, saying there is an ‘‘attitude’’ that it is not their issue.

He accused the council of ‘‘leading the community ‘‘up the garden path.’’

“Either the council is going to step up to the plate, or it's not. If not, are we just paying lip service to the community, said Cllr Coonan.

Mr Beck said he doesn’t think it’s fair to say the council is not funding CCTV projects because some districts are.

He said the legislation is clear that the council are responsible for CCTV, but that funding is a serious issue.

He said maintenance costs are close to six figures and will require annual funding.

He also said they would look at what they could do to speed up the projects currently waiting for garda approval.

However, he pointed out that the issue is across many counties.

Mr Beck said at the last JPC meeting, councillors had left the new Chief Superintendent in no doubt as to the importance of CCTV.

And he said the council recognised the importance as well.

“We recognise this has huge benefits for a community. We want them up and running to assist these communities, said Mr Beck.