CCTV 'antiquated and in poor state'

Local councillors have described the CCTV system currently in use in Athlone as 'antiquated' and 'in desperate need' of urgent updating.

The comments were made by local councillors at the most recent meeting of the Municipal District of Athlone-Moate, and came in the wake of independent councillor John Gibbons's motion for the district to engage with the Department of Justice, to have a CCTV system in Athlone that is 'operational and adequate' for the needs and safety of the public and property in the town.

Cllr Gibbons said: “The CCTV is antiquated and in poor state. There's a real need for an update, to help property owners, the public, visitors to Athlone, and, indeed, an Garda Síochana.”

Fianna Fáil councillor Frankie Keena said that the particular issue is 'like a long-playing record', and doubted whether further dialogue with local Gardaí on the matter would be of much benefit.

Fine Gael councillor John Dolan, who seconded the motion, said he cannot understand why Athlone's CCTV system has not been updated at this stage.

“There is ten-times better technology out there than what's currently in place. And at a fraction of the price. It's a disgrace that nothing has been done on this,” he said. He added that recent vandalising of floral displays in the town further highlighted the need for an upgrade of the CCTV system.

Fianna Fáil councillor Aengus O'Rourke said the Department of Justice has a responsibility on crime prevention, and therefore 'are in charge of implementing proper CCTV systems'.

It was agreed by members to seek a joint meeting to progress matters with the Gardai locally and the Minister for Justice.

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme