A new community-based CCTV system has been activated in Blessington. It is hoped this will act as a deterrent to anti-social behaviour and criminal activity.
It has been welcomed by Blessington & District Forum, An Garda Síochána, Baltinglass Municipal District and Blessington Town Team.
In 2017 Blessington & District Forum set up a sub-committee to deliver this project. It consisted of Michael Sargent, Jason Mulhall, John Horan, and Detective Sergeant Dermot Treacy of Blessington Garda Station. From 2019 the project was taken forward by Wicklow County Council.
The Department of Justice and Equality approved the maximum grant of €40,000 towards the installation of the CCTV system with the balance coming from Wicklow County Council to fund the project. Educom was awarded the contract to install the CCTV cameras which are now placed around the town at a number of strategic locations.
Cathaoirleach of the Municipal District, Cllr John Mullen, said: “I am delighted that we have brought this project to fruition. It is a number of years since Blessington & District Forum proposed this and with grants from the County Council and Department of Justice we now have the cameras up and running. This will create a safer environment for all our citizens as they go about their business”.
A number of community groups in the town have welcomed the installation of the cameras and it is anticipated that the new system will act as a deterrent to those in society who choose to see fit to break the law.
Speaking on behalf of Blessington & District Forum, Chairperson Carmel Cashin welcomed the completion of the project stating: “The new system has been installed with a view to increasing public safety and to deter illegal or anti-social behaviour. I join with the Gardai in welcoming the activation of the system”.
Chief Executive of Wicklow County Council, Emer O’Gorman, said the new CCTV system was an important addition to the town and would reassure local people and visitors that they would be safe and secure in Blessington while it is also an important aid to the Gardai in fighting crime and anti-social behaviour.
In welcoming the establishment of Blessington CCTV system, John Horan, Blessington Town Team Chairperson, acknowledged the contribution of former Baltinglass District Administrator Garvan Hickey who worked on the project initially, and also Liam Cullen, the current Administrator, who worked on bringing the project to completion.
