New CCTV plan to curb community crime
Tenders have been invited from security companies to develop the community- based CCTV scheme in the Elm Park estate, scene of a fatal house fire in April when a middle-aged woman lost her life in a suspected arson attack.
After that tragedy, it emerged that the victim, Ann Marie O’Neill, and her husband had asked the local council to close off a nearby laneway which was being used as a “get-away” route by local youths involved in anti-social behaviour.
The €200,000 project is being coordinated by Clonmel Community Partnership, as part of a pilot programme of community CCTV schemes led by the Department of Justice to support local organisations in their campaign to deter illegal or anti-social behaviour in public places.
Among the priorities are the safety and security of the elderly, security of the community and the development of community spirit.
Comprehensive coverage will be provided by closed circuit cameras at so-called “flashpoints” in the estate.
In Clonmel, CCTV is one measure to be implemented in the maintenance of public order and safety, and the gardaí will be involved in the project.
According to Clonmel Community Partnership manager Phil Shanahan, the successful implementation of the scheme requires cooperation among many agencies and sectors. “There’s a huge element of community consultation in it, that’s one of the key elements,” she said.
The target is a better, safer community setting.
The need for CCTV in Clonmel was identified in a recent community consultation programme, as well as a plan by the gardaí for more secure estates.
While the layout of such estates makes physical policing difficult, the CCTV system is ever-present and is complemented by a good lighting system.
CCTV will initially be installed in the RAPID development areas of Elm Park/ Heywood Close but is likely to be rolled out to other areas over time.
According to Ms Shanahan, community development and state investment is increasing in the area with enhanced youth facilities, sports development, training programmes and physical improvements now in place.
Clonmel Community Partnership is the agency responsible for delivering the Local Development and Social Inclusion Programme (LDSIP) in Clonmel. The LDSIP is a programme of measures funded under the National Development Plan 2007-2013 that is designed to promote social inclusion, delivery of a more sustainable economy, improve employment prospects and balanced regional development.
Phil Shanahan said that local involvement is vital to schemes such as the CCTV project: “The application wouldn’t have gone forward had it not been requested and confirmed and accepted by the community.”
The deadline for receipt of tenders for provision of the CCTV system is August 3.
