Published: Wednesday, 16th June, 2010 5:00pm

CCTV for Cavan town within weeks

It's hoped that the new CCTV system for Cavan town will be operational by the end of the month, Cavan Town Council has revealed. Work in ongoing to install the CCTV system. All camera poles are now in place and cameras are being fitted by Dublin-based SKS Communications Ltd.

"It is expected all the civil works will be completed and power supply to the cameras will be in place within two weeks. Thereafter the system will be tested before being launched. No date has been has been set for official launch but it is hoped it will be at the end of the month," said a spokesperson for the local authority.

While the new CCTV system will be managed by Cavan County Council, a monitor will also be available to the gardaí in Cavan Garda Station. This was revealed at the first meeting of the new Joint Policing Board (JPB) for County Cavan recently where public representatives were briefed by senior gardaí on crime issues and trends in the county.

Six cameras are being erected: adjacent to the Dunnes Stores carpark on Church Street, at the junction of Abbey Street and Bridge Street, on Main Street outside An Cruiscin Lan/Harvest Fare, in Ard na Greine, at John Paul Avenue/St. Martin's Terrace and in Springfield/Laragh Crescent. Information signs will be erected to let people know the presence of the cameras.

The cameras, which will be on poles at a height of about seven to eight-and-a-half metres, will be in protective casing and linked to a monitoring centre. If the gardaí require footage for evidence, they can apply to the holders of the data, Cavan County Council.

The project was developed through RAPID in partnership with the local community, An Garda Siochána and the elected members of Cavan town council. Funding was secured under the Community Based CCTV Scheme.

It's hoped that the new system will further reduce the level of assaults and public order offences in the Cavan town area. Members of the new joint policing board were informed at their recent meeting that the incidences of such crimes in the town are already declining.

The JPB featuring representatives on Cavan County Council was addressed at the outset by the new chairman, Cllr. Sean McKiernan (FG) and also by the County Manager, Jack Keyes.

In his contribution to the meeting, Superintendent John O'Driscoll of Cavan Garda Station outlined the functions of a joint policing board and the fact that it is comprised of community representatives, Oireachtas and local authority members, together with members of An Garda Siochána.

It is a forum for discussion and consultation and to make recommendations on any policing or crime issues within the county council administrative area, which includes the three garda districts of Cavan town, Bailieborough and Ballyconnell. The JPB must meet every three months.

A steering committee was established with the JPB and this includes the chairperson Sean McKiernan, the County Manager Jack Keyes and Superintendent John O'Driscoll.