Cllr. Aileen Browne has called for a feasibility study into the installation of a modern public CCTV system in Charleville.
The request was raised by the Fine Gael councillor during a recent meeting of the Kanturk–Mallow Municipal District, where she asked that Cork County Council work in partnership with An Garda Síochána to examine the possibility of introducing a GDPR-compliant CCTV network in the North Cork town.
In response, Cork County Council confirmed it would liaise with gardaí in Charleville to explore the feasibility of installing a system once the national code of practice and guidelines process has been completed.
Cllr Browne said the proposal is intended as a preventative measure and not as a response to any significant rise in crime in the area.
“Charleville is a thriving retail town with a very strong community life,” she said. “My motion in no way suggests there is a major outbreak of crime in the town. We have very law-abiding citizens living in the area. CCTV is a preventative measure that can provide reassurance to the public in modern times.”
She added that the absence of CCTV systems in many towns across the county remains a concern and that such infrastructure could support both the community and garda investigations.
At present, when incidents occur in Charleville, gardaí often have to contact local businesses and residents to obtain CCTV or doorbell footage. A dedicated public system could help streamline investigations and enhance public safety.
Cllr Browne noted that national funding is available for CCTV projects and that recent legislation has addressed previous GDPR concerns that had delayed installations in towns such as Charleville and Mitchelstown.
