Kells moves closer to getting community CCTV system

Kells is set to be the latest town to get a Community CCTV scheme according to the cathaoirleach of the Kells and North Meath Municipal District, Cllr. Paul McCabe.

“I'm delighted as Cathaoirleach of the Kells MD to formally advance the Kells Town Community CTTV scheme at our recent monthly meeting.

“The MD has formally requested the Community Department of the Council to prepare the application, this is the first step in the process.

“It is expected that following a lengthy application and procurement process which will include a planning permission application and approval from the Garda Commissioner, that the Kells Community CCTV scheme will hopefully be live by the end of 2021.

“The Community CCTV scheme will be a good asset for the town of the Kells and will be of great assistance to An Garda Siochana locally to deter and detect crime and anti-social behaviour.

“Kells town is not unlike any other town or village in the country. Anti social behaviour and criminality exists and needs to be addressed effectively. The new CCTV scheme will go some way in assisting that work.

“In the coming months there will be a full public consultation process by Meath County Council which I'd encourage residents and businesses to engage in,” concluded Cllr. McCabe.

Cllr Paul McCabe this week tabled a motion that the council write to Minister for Justice and Equality Helen McEntee calling on her department to tackle anti-social behaviour by ensuring a more visible Garda presence on the streets of Meath. He also sought an update on the establishment of an expert forum to consider the effectiveness of existing laws to counteract and prevent this kind of behaviour.

The Programme for Government agreed between Fine Gael, Fianna Fail and the Green parties had provided for this kind of measure, he said. Cllr McCabe also said there was a need for a ban on fireworks. It was the case that explosions from fireworks could be heard earlier each year.

He said many citizens were afraid to leave their homes because of the activities of “young criminals”.

Anti-social behaviour was the scourge of some communities. It was agreed that there was no “quick fix” to the problem – it’s causes were very complex. It was a pity that the Gardai did not have enough resources to be able to deal with the problem, he said.

Fianna Fail Cllr Tom Behan said Cllr McCabe’s motion was a very important one because it highlighted the fact that there was a dramatic increase in anti-social behaviour. Fine Gael Cllr said that the issue was a societal one and not just confined to Meath but was widespread. He did not like to see the motion refer to Meath alone – the issue was a countrywide one.

The motion put forward by Cllr McCabe was agreed.