COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF CLONDALKIN AREA COMMITTEE

Wednesday, September 15, 2021

MOTION NO. 3

MOTION: Councillor F. Timmons

Cathaoirleach's Business

"That this Committee requests that South Dublin County Council do a work schedule to keep the undergrowth around Alpine and Ashwood open spaces free from areas to hide and store illegal substances. The cameras need to be installed fully to help with the Anti-social behaviour currently being experienced by the Residents. We also request a copy of this Motion is sent to the Community Sergeant in order to patrol the area more regularly."

REPORT:

The Public Realm Section is liaising with an Garda Síochána in relation to the cutting of vegetation on the open space at Alpine/Ashwood. Pruning works were carried out earlier this year to remove the undergrowth around the trees and shrubberies. Additional pruning works commenced recently and are currently ongoing.

The CCTV falls under the remit of the Land Use Planning and Transportation Department who have advised as follows:

“The Data Protection Commissioner has advised that South Dublin County Council does not have a lawful basis for the installation and monitoring of CCTV cameras for monitoring anti-social behaviour (ASB).   We have been in ongoing communications with An Garda Siochana in relation to the installation and monitoring of the CCTV camera in Bawnogue, as they have the responsibility for policing ASB. In order to get that permission, formal approval must be given by the Garda Commissioner, which is a process that we have commenced.

The Gardai note that, whilst the use of CCTV by a police service can have great merit, its use can have a direct impact on the human rights of individuals. Therefore, its introduction needs to be carefully planned and its use, competently managed. In accordance with Section 38 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005, Community CCTV schemes must be authorised by the Garda Commissioner.

A CCTV advisory committee meets every quarter to examine applications for CCTV projects, place them in appropriate categories and make recommendations relative to prioritisation in accordance with the objective criteria set out in the policy. At this point, we do not have an indication of when such authorisation will be provided by the Garda Commissioner.”

If this motion is agreed a copy will be issued to the local Community Sargent.