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CAMERAS WILL MONITOR LAWBREAKERS AND LITTER BUGS By Tom Kelly
Close circuit TV cameras are to zoom in on vandals and other lawbreakers in Mayo's county town as part of an unprecedented new crackdown. The high-tech security equipment is to be erected at a number of strategic locations in the town centre to detect offenders and identify trouble before it can deteriorate into serious lawlessness. This is one of the first initiatives of its kind in Ireland and is being undertaken as a joint venture by the Castlebar Chamber of Commerce, the local Urban Council and the Garda authorities. It follows ongoing complaints by residents and traders of late-night rowdyism, vandalism and breaches of public order. The cameras, it is proposed, will be linked to monitors at Castlebar Garda Station where members of the force can keep a close eye on the busier streets under their jurisdiction. The revolving cameras will focus in on Main Street, Linenhall Street, Rush Street, Lucan Street, Ellison Street, Castle Street and Market Square. An application has been made for approval to the National Crime Prevention Unit for the experimental scheme which is already in place at Temple Bar, Dublin, and Tralee. The cost of putting the camera in place is expected to be in the region of £13,000. Castlebar Urban Council has already allocated a sum of £3,000 towards the project. They will use the system to initiate a major purge on litter louts. Mayo Garda Chief Superintendent John Carey confirmed the force was backing the application. He stated: "We are fully supportive of the proposal, but feel it could be some way from fruition. A number of issues relating to the matter need to be teased out, but there is evidence suggesting the scheme is helpful in reducing crime." Mr. Richard Wynne, chairman, Castlebar Town Centre Residents Association, said he had no doubt the security cameras would end the long-running problems. "There are serious difficulties with rowdyism and vandalism. We have had numerous complaints of cars being damaged, tyres being slashed and windows being broken. The incidents usually occur following the closure of local discos. "The night-time noise levels on the street can be intolerable. Families are being awakened in their beds and it is not acceptable that such rowdyism can continue indefinitely." |
