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AN Garda Síochána has confirmed to Tralee Municipal District councillors that there are 24 CCTV cameras in operation at the moment in the town.
The information was supplied in reply to a motion by Cllr Norma Foley, asking the Council to carry out an evaluation of CCTV cameras in conjunction with Gardai.
Gardaí are hopeful of funding in the coming months to upgrade and increase the number of cameras in operation around the town.
Cllr Toireasa Ferris said it was important that CCTV coverage be extended to Boherbee and Moyderwell.
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She said that at a recent meeting of traders and residents of Upper Castle Street, Boherbee and Moyderwell, fears were expressed about incidents they suspected were occurring in the area.
She said efforts were being made by people there to make the area as attractive a place as possible to live and work. She said getting a CCTV camera would be part of what is needed there and would discourage any anti-social behaviour.
Cllr Sam Locke said cameras were installed in Spa Road some years ago and very little use was got out of them. He asked how many cameras in all areas needed to be upgraded and repaired and for an update at November’s meeting of Tralee Municipal District councillors.
The issue is not the initial investment which was made or the funding as that can be raised and maintained if necessary.
The historical problem in Tralee has always been the negative An Garda Síochána human resources culture that surrounds the CCTV system being manned by An Garda Síochána and the exploitation of the system as a pay and allowances issue.
A CCTV control room system manned by trained civilians in direct contact with An Garda Síochána would be most productive by not removing An Garda Síochána from their patrol duties.
On a national level, the state should also use more Civilian’s in An Garda Síochána stations for administration to free up more even An Garda Síochána.
A night An Garda Síochána unit should also developed like the night watch police in the UK.