Cork city council and gardaí to seek approval to use CCTV in public places

CORK City Council and the city Garda division are to apply to Garda Commissioner Drew Harris for approval to use CCTV in several public places in a bid to ensure greater public safety.

If approved, the local authority and local gardaí could use CCTV that is already installed in local parks, greenways, and walkways, and install cameras at other locations.

The proposal would allow for the use of CCTV cameras already in place in parks and public spaces such as Fitzgerald’s Park, St Peter’s Park, Grattan Street, Bell’s Field, St Anne’s Park, St Catherine’s cemetery, Mangela woods, and Tramore Valley Park.

It would also allow for the extension of CCTV to the new public toilets at Ballincollig Regional Park. Further, it would allow for the installation and use of CCTV at locations such as the Passage Railway Greenway, The Marina, Marina Park, Atlantic Pond, and the Blackrock Walkway.

At present, permission to use CCTV cameras in public spaces must be sought under section 38 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005.

At the latest joint policing committee (JPC) meeting, Sergeant Brian McSweeney, crime prevention officer for Cork city Garda division, said: “The Garda Commissioner may authorise the installation and operation of CCTV for the sole or primary purpose of securing public order and safety in public places by facilitating the deterrence, prevention, detection, and prosecution of offences.”

Stephen Scully, of Cork City Council Parks and Recreation department, highlighted the importance of CCTV for investigations and identification of suspects.

“Our primary aim is the protection of public safety and order in public spaces,” he said.

“We’re seeking a legal basis now under section 38 of the An Garda Síochána Act for existing CCTV in our walkways, greenways, and parks — parks like Fitzgerald Park, Bell’s Field.”

Speaking about the extension of CCTV at Ballincollig Regional Park, Mr Scully said: “Members will be aware that the previous toilet burnt down. We’ve replaced that now and we’re putting in CCTV as well.

“That unit is worth €100,000 so we think we’ve a just basis for applying for approval for a CCTV camera.”

Addressing the use of CCTV on greenways and walkways, he said: “We’re encouraging people to commute, either by walking or cycling to work, and a lot of people on shift work are using, very successfully, those walkways.

“We’re just trying to ensure that public safety is looked after there, in relation to the proposed CCTV.”

Permission to proceed with the application was granted by the JPC, one of the steps on the way to seeking approval from the Garda Commissioner.