Camera shy: The CCTV delays that go on and on

Athlone's CCTV saga looks set to continue for some time yet, despite the fact the majority of the cameras have been installed around the town for some months now. It's emerged the system is still not in operation - and there is insufficient space within Athlone Garda Station at present to allow the cameras to be monitored. Officers are still waiting for additional space to accommodate the closed circuit camera system and monitoring room, with moves now underway to lease adjacent offices to free up space in the barracks for CCTV. Sgt John Lawless of Athlone Garda Station said this week the majority of cameras have been installed but a small amount remain to be completed, work that should take around two weeks. He added they are still waiting for additional space for installation and monitoring and they are looking to acquire offices shortly by lease to facilitate the movement of some Gardai and leave space in the barracks for the cameras. This would would form part of the first phase of refurbishment and extension of the station. Once the lease is in place, officers will be able to move and the space can be allocated to the camera system. An OPW spokesperson said a sketch scheme design for the refurbishment work at Athlone Garda Station was completed recently and the main refurbishment and extension of the premises will be beginning shortly, although he could not be more specific at this stage in relation to the exact timeframe. The camera system was first announced back in 2000 and has been mired in hold ups since then as other towns progressed ahead of Athlone. Installation work began on the Athlone cameras began back in February, but they are not yet operational.