Noel Coonan TD Says CCTV Funding will Provide Additional Security for Tipperary Communities

Tipperary TD Noel Coonan has welcomed an allocation of €80,000 for a rural CCTV pilot programme in Tipperary and Laois saying this development will provide a new important level of security for Tipperary communities.

'I have been seeking this funding and the introduction of this pilot programme for some time and it is welcome news; albeit at a late stage. I will continue to push for the programme to be extended to other areas such as Roscrea and Templemore.

'I submitted parliamentary question in November asking for the introduction of the necessary resources for a pilot programme in County Tipperary to tackle the current crime epidemic whereby closed-circuit television surveillance will be introduced in towns and villages, and on motorway ramps on the M7 and M8. Such surveillance will aid An Garda Síochána in tackling crime levels and provide security for Tipperary people who are anxious regarding crime rates. I also noted that the a pilot project could later be rolled out in other areas if successful.'

Deputy Coonan continued: 'This €80,000 investment will ensure Gardaí have additional tools to tackle mobile criminal gangs in Tipperary and disrupt the activities of burglars and offenders, improving the safety for all communities across the country. In December, I helped secure and attended a meeting between local group 'Save Our Community' and Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald on Tuesday 8th December. Community policing incentives are high priority for me.'