Kildare South TD and Chairman of the Fine Gael Parliamentary Party Martin Heydon has sought an extension to the grant funding scheme that is available for communities who wish to avail of a Community CCTV scheme. The scheme is due to close at the end of 2019.

“Since 2017, the Department of Justice has administered a grant aid scheme supporting groups wishing to establish a community-based CCTV system in their area. To date, 21 applications have been approved under the scheme, involving approved grants totalling more than €540,000.

“In conjunction with local councillors I am working with local groups in Kildare South to progress their applications for funding towards CCTV schemes. However due to delays in agreeing technical specifications and agreeing protocols around Data Protection issues, many of the groups are not yet in a position to apply for funding.

“The current closing date for applications is 31 December and I have asked my colleagues Minister for Justice Charlie Flanagan and Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform to consider my request for an extension.

“Eligible groups, including community groups can apply for grant-aid of up to 60% of the total capital cost of a proposed CCTV system, up to a maximum total of €40,000. The scheme also now allows funding applications for extension or upgrade of existing Community CCTV systems which are incomplete or obsolete. Applicants can now also seek a grant of up to €5,000 for minor maintenance costs.

“I will continue to push for this extension to ensure that communities who want to take advantage of the scheme do not lose out due to the delays that have been encountered.