Kilkenny set to roll out CCTV later this year

CCTV cameras are expected to be installed at 19 locations across Kilkenny later this year including on the main routes in and out of the city.

Members of the Joint Policing Committee were informed at a meeting this week that funding of €400,000 has been set aside by Kilkenny County Council for the cameras which will be used to help prevent criminal activity and deter anti-social behaviour.

Councillor Andrew McGuinness raised the matter and asked for an update in relation to the installation of the 19 CCTV cameras in the city and highlighted the need for cameras in the vicinity of the skatepark park.

At present there are 15 CCTV cameras in Kilkenny City. Director of Services at Kilkenny County Council, Tim Butler said that there was lots of issues raised in relation to GDPR but added that legislation was passed in December which allows the plan to move forward.

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“We will be meeting with gardaí over the coming weeks and will be progressing with it as soon as possible,” he said.

Cllr John Coonan also remarked that CCTV is needed to keep areas safe especially public amenity areas such as the skatepark.

He also raised the ongoing issue of anti-social behaviour at St Canice’s Steps, and pointed out that CCTV would act as a deterrent to people engaging in such behaviour.

“This behaviour is unacceptable,” he said adding that he was aware that gardaí have to attend St Canice’s Steps on ‘a regular basis’ to deal with ongoing issues of anti-social behaviour.

“CCTV would play a big part in preventing anti-social behaviour at St Canice’s Steps,” he added.

Superintendent Aidan Brennan said that the gardaí ‘give a lot of attention to St Canice’s Steps’.

“We know that it is a problem. There might be an interim solution but I am not going to voice it here,” he said.

Cllr Eugene McGuinness also pointed out that CCTV cameras at St Kieran’s cemetery would also help to address anti-social behaviour which is an ongoing issue in the area.

“The gardaí can’t be everywhere all the time. CCTV would make a huge difference,” he said.

Bylaws

Cllr David Fitzgerald said that a number of families had contacted him in relation to issues at St Kieran’s Cemetery and asked if there was an update on the implementation of bylaws.

Director of Services, Tim Butler said that the bylaws were being drafted and will go to public consultation shortly.