Warning 'curtailed' CCTV in Limerick could delay criminal investigations

Councillors warned minister 'consequences will rest' with the Government if funding for the system continued to be reduced

Limerick solicitor Tom Kiely said the CCTV network had become a key resource for An Garda Síochána in investigating and prosecuting crime. Stock picture

A "curtailed" CCTV infrastructure in Limerick could lead to delays in criminal investigations, local representatives have warned as they urged the Government to continue funding the service.

Last week, Limerick mayor John Moran and príomh chomhairleoir Tom Ruddle wrote to housing minister James Browne after councillors unanimously backed a call for additional CCTV funding.

In the letter, seen by the Irish Examiner, they warned "consequences will rest" with the Government if funding for the system continued to be reduced.

The council has maintained the service this year, using a combination of departmental funding and mayoral funding, with each contributing €440,210 in 2026.

Limerick solicitor Tom Kiely said the CCTV network had become a key resource for An Garda Síochána in investigating and prosecuting crime.

“As a criminal defence solicitor, I have had cases where CCTV has been central in defending a person who has been wrongly accused. It is unthinkable that this resource may be curtailed and would lead to serious regression in the prosecution and defending of crime in Limerick,” said Mr Kiely.

“This is another example of our Government placing obstacles in the way of efficiency and will further lead to additional delays in criminal investigations and prosecutions which victims, accused persons, and other stakeholders will have to endure.” 

Speaking of one of his cases, Mr Kiely explained it became apparent a client was incorrectly identified upon reviewing CCTV.

“A trial date was set in circuit court. Once we brought this to the attention of the prosecution, they entered a nolle prosequi. The defence actually ascertained it from the camera footage supplied by the prosecution in conjunction with photos of the accused from the same night,” he said.

Mr Kiely said the infrastructure also played a vital part in cases relating to domestic violence.

“It is often one person's word against the other. In a recent case, CCTV clearly showed a false allegation was made and the prosecution did not even commence,” he said.

Meanwhile, Limerick Chamber has written to justice minister Jim O'Callaghan to welcome the increase in Garda numbers in the city, while describing the CCTV network as a "critical priority".

Chamber chief executive Donnacha Hurley said: " A well-resourced Garda force and a fully operational CCTV network are complementary tools that work together to create safer communities and more vibrant urban centres.

“Businesses across Limerick continue to regard the CCTV network as a critical piece of public safety infrastructure. It assists Garda investigations, acts as a deterrent to antisocial behaviour, and provides reassurance to those who live, work, and visit the city. 

"We are therefore urging all relevant stakeholders to work together to identify a sustainable, long-term funding and governance model that will ensure the network remains operational into the future. 

"The benefits of retaining CCTV extend far beyond crime prevention and contribute significantly to public confidence.” 

Limerick City and County Council operates 353 community CCTV cameras across four schemes authorised by the Garda commissioner. 

Of these, 242 are located in regeneration areas, with about 240 cameras monitored live through a centre in Moyross.

The remaining 111 cameras provide recorded footage and evidential retrieval across both the city and county. 

A review of activity over a four-year period found the monitoring centre provided 40,399 hours of footage for Garda investigations.

The Department of Justice was contacted for comment.