Gardaí should have easy access to traffic cameras in order to help them crack down on crime, a Fine Gael TD has suggested.

Currently, there are an estimated 200 CCTV cameras in Dublin - roughly half the number of traffic cameras used to monitor road users. 

On Lunchtime Live, Dublin Bay South TD James Geoghegan, Fine Gael TD said he was “surprised” by the ratio. 

“We’ve just 200 CCTV cameras in Dublin city,” he said. 

“Even just to compare that to, say, the amount of traffic cameras that Dublin City Council have - they have about 400. 

“One of the most common complaints you’ll receive when you’re talking to business, both in the city centre or in any of the towns or village that politicians represent is the absence of CCTV to catch someone who has, let’s say, perpetrated a shoplifting or carried out an incident. 

“But also, to act as a deterrent, when we do big major events live in the city, let’s say St Patrick’s Day or the US college football, you do bring in temporarily increased numbers of CCTV. 

“There is a reduction in crime, all the businesses will tell you that around the areas they’re in.” 

A CCTV camera. Picture by: Steve Parsons/PA Archive/PA Images

Deputy Geoghegan said more CCTV cameras would not be a “panacea” to the issue of crime, but insisted it would help Gardaí respond more quickly. 

“What we’re really talking about here is live availability,” he said. 

“I would have been in Pearse Street Garda Station where they have live operational cameras on the main thoroughfares streets, so they can respond instantly to issues as they arise. 

“Your listeners will be very familiar with CCTV cameras on private premises and Guards can access those cameras after the event. 

“But it’s really about giving Gardaí more live operational oversight as to what’s taking place in our city, to support the work that they’re doing on the street, on the ground and just to make Dublin a safer city.” 

More cameras

Deputy Geoghegan continued that traffic cameras should be part of the solution. 

“We could make the legislation easier so that Guards could have better access to these 400 traffic cameras that are out there,” he said. 

“But I also invest and make it easier for CCTV cameras to be put in areas where local people… have identified incidences of antisocial behaviour or crime. 

“The same way people feel safer when they see Gardaí on the street, it would make people feel safer if they had a few more cameras.” 

Main image: A speed traffic camera. Picture by: Alamy.com.