Plea for new CCTV system to make Mayo streets safer

A public representative has called on Mayo County Council to install and operate a 'fully functioning' CCTV system at key urban locations.

A new monitoring system, headquartered in Tourmakeady, is working very effectively in Killala and Swinford.

Councillor Annie May Reape said the existing CCTV system in Ballina and other towns is not working properly.

“I propose that we talk to the company, talk to the gardaí locally and talk to the business people, and get the system up and running,” said Councillor Reape. “We need to keep our streets safe.”

Councillor Jarlath Munnelly agreed with meeting with the firm setting up the system in Killala with a view to rolling it out countywide.

Councillor John O'Hara said there would not be the funds to finance them in smaller villages and he suggested a fund be set up to help them in that regard.

Councillor Marie Therese Duffy said housing estates on the outskirts of towns would welcome cameras at entrances just to see who's coming into them.

The system 'ticks all the boxes', said Councillor Michael Loftus, but it should not mean having fewer gardaí on the ground. In fact, they should fight to get more gardaí.

Declan Turnbull, head of Ballina Municipal District, pointed out that there are 40 cameras in Ballina already which are used regularly by the gardaí. However, extra CCTV would be welcome and contact will be made to talk with the Tourmakeady company.

Meanwhile, An Garda Síochána have launched a public consultation for a draft Code of Practice on Public Closed Circuit Television (CCTV).

Public Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) refers to a closed circuit television system of one or more recording cameras fixed to a structure in a public place, and includes any system for processing the images, any accompanying sounds or other information obtained by those recording devices.

As of January 2026, Public CCTV in Ireland is in widespread use and subject to strict, updated regulatory frameworks.

There are approximately 120 Public CCTV schemes authorised by the Garda Commissioner that were made under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 and supported by a Public CCTV Code of Practice.

The Garda Síochána (Recording Devices) Act 2023 specifically repealed Section 38 of the 2005 Act and provides the current legal framework for the use of various recording devices, including Public CCTV.

Part 8 of this Act stipulates a new Code of Practice on Public Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) is required.

The aim of the Code of Practice is to provide further detail on the general operation of Public CCTV.

It also aims to ensure Public CCTV is used only for policing purposes and the prevention, investigation, detection and prosecution of criminal offences.

It is this draft Code of Practice that An Garda Síochána is now seeking input on from members of the public.

Engagement with relevant Government departments will take place alongside the public consultation.

Acting Deputy Commissioner, Security, Strategy and Governance, Paul Cleary said:"Public CCTV in Ireland is widespread and subject to strict, updated regulatory frameworks, with a focus on preventing and detecting crime in communities.

"There are approximately 120 Public CCTV schemes currently in operation across the country. They have proven invaluable in the prevention, investigation, detection and prosecution of criminal offences.

"This new draft Code of Practice allows An Garda Síochána to continue supporting communities through the use of CCTV technology.

"The public’s views on how Public CCTV systems are implemented and operated will help An Garda Síochána to continue to provide a community-focused policing service.”

Draft Code of Practice feedback must be submitted by February 24, 2026.

* Published under the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.