Ballinrobe CCTV sends out ‘a big signal’

Ballinrobe CCTV sends out ‘a big signal’


Ciara Galvin
ciaragalvin@mayonews.ie

The official launch of Ballinrobe’s CCTV system will take place this Thursday at Costello’s Bar Ballinrobe, at 8pm. The system is the culmination of a joint effort by Ballinrobe Neighbourhood Watch and Community Development Council.
Speaking about the system, which includes 22 cameras installed around the town, Chairman of Ballinrobe Neighbourhood Watch, Padraic Costello said their has been great feedback from local gardaí, who have said the cameras were sending out a ‘big signal’.
“We are now one of the better towns in the county in terms of security,” said the Chairman, adding that it will be great for people’s awareness of the neighbourhood watch network.
Costing €40,000 in total, the project has been partly funded by Mayo County Council, which put forward €20,000. Private organisations in the town donated €5,000.
All involved hope that the remaining €15,000 will be covered with the help of a Credit Union loan being taken out by the local Community Development Council and church-gate collections.
The state-of-the-art CCTV system has seen 22 cameras installed in over 14 locations. The system, which acts as ‘another set of eyes’ for the local Gardaí, can be expanded in the future.
Business owners have cooperated with the initiative by agreeing to install cameras on their buildings and supply the electricity for their operation.
Cllr Michael Burke told The Mayo News that the CCTV system was something the town had been looking for, for a long time.
“These cameras will provide people with extra security and will cut out a lot of the time that comes with investigating crimes in the town,” explained the councillor.
According to Cllr Burke, other towns that want to reduce crime levels are now looking to Ballinrobe as an example.

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