Revamped Ballymun set to get €1m CCTV system

THE one-time notorious housing estate of Ballymun is to get €1 million in public money to install CCTV as part of regeneration plans.

The north Dublin suburb, formerly a byword for bad planning and social deprivation, is undergoing an ambitious transformation into a new town.

In recent years the infamous tower blocks synonymous with the area have been pulled down while new homes, parks, arts centres, social and sports clubs have sprung up.

Justice Minister Brian Lenihan yesterday gave his support to the masterplan by allocating the lion’s share of a €2.75 million community CCTV fund to the suburb.

“Ballymun is being transformed by the ongoing regeneration project,” he said.

“As part of the overall strategy to support that regeneration and to make the new Ballymun a safer and better place to live and to do business, community CCTV systems will help the local gardaí and the community to work together to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour.”

Other areas earmarked for grants to install security camera systems are Drogheda; Dundalk; Ennis, Kilkenny; Kileely/Thomondgate in Limerick city; Longford Town; Manorhamilton in Leitrim; Mullaghmatt in Co Monaghan, along with Thurles and Tralee.

The camera networks are being established in a bid to tackle crime, drug dealing and anti-social behaviour in highly disadvantaged areas.

Mr Lenihan said the grants will allow the groups to install and operate their own systems under the guidance of local authorities and the gardaí.

“CCTV schemes can play an important role in fighting and deterring both crime and anti-social behaviour. In doing so, they afford a greater peace of mind to communities,” said Mr Lenihan.

“Crime affects the whole of society and it cannot be tackled effectively without the support and engagement of local communities.

“The community-based CCTV programme is an excellent way to empower local people and businesses to work in partnership with the gardaí and local authorities to help make our communities safer and stronger.”

He made the announcement at the Ballymun Civic Centre where five applications, under the umbrella of Ballymun Regeneration Ltd, were approved for a total of €1 million.