Kildare South Fine Gael TD Martin Heydon has received confirmation from Minister for Justice Charlie Flanagan that the grant scheme for Community CCTV will be extended for community groups into 2020.
“Since 2017 the Department of Justice has administered a grant scheme for communities who wish to install CCTV schemes in their areas. To date 22 applications have been approved under the scheme nationally.
“The low take up of the grant to date can be attributed to difficulties that have been experienced by many groups both in Kildare and around the Country in establishing such schemes while resolving technical difficulties involving data protection. The grant scheme was due to end in December 2019.
“I discussed the issues in detail with Minister Flanagan and sought an extension of the grant scheme from him which he has now confirmed.
“I am happy from my discussions with Gardai and KCC that progress is now being made on the schemes and many of the details around protocol and data protection have been addressed.
“The grant allows community groups to apply for up to 60% of the total capital cost of a proposed CCTV scheme, up to a maximum of €40,000 and was recently expanded to allow funding for extensions or upgrades of existing schemes. A once off grant of up to €5,000 for minor maintenance costs is also available to eligible groups.
“Working in conjunction with my Fine Gael councillors we are assisting local groups who are interested in the scheme. I would encourage any local groups interested to get in touch with my office for further information.