A James Geoghegan has called for a major expansion of CCTV use across Dublin, arguing that current regulations are limiting the ability of An Garda Síochána to tackle crime effectively.
The Fine Gael TD said existing rules create unnecessary bureaucracy, preventing Gardaí from installing cameras in key locations such as parks and railway stations. He has urged the Minister for Justice to introduce new legislation to streamline the process and increase coverage.
“We need to make it easier for Gardaí to access CCTV footage and to install cameras in the locations where they will have the greatest impact,” he said.
According to Deputy Geoghegan, there are currently just 209 Garda-operated CCTV cameras across the Dublin Metropolitan Area, a figure unchanged since April 2025. He noted that this equates to roughly one camera for every 6,000 people.
“If Gardaí want to install a camera in a railway station or a park, they face unnecessary bureaucracy. That is a waste of Garda time,” he added.
The Dublin Bay South representative said the system is particularly ineffective in areas experiencing persistent anti-social behaviour and crime.
“It is far too difficult to install CCTV in locations with recurring patterns of intimidation and criminal activity. That has to change,” he said.
As part of the initiative, Fine Gael has launched a national survey to gather public views on CCTV and identify areas where additional surveillance could improve safety. Deputy Geoghegan has also introduced a Private Members’ Bill that would create a new legal designation known as “Crime Prevention Zones”.
Under the proposed legislation, public bodies would be required to facilitate Garda-operated CCTV in areas identified by the Garda Commissioner as having ongoing crime issues.
“This is a targeted, common-sense approach. It will allow Gardaí to act quickly in problem areas without undermining people’s privacy,” he said.
Deputy Geoghegan also criticised what he described as a lack of urgency in CCTV investment. He said that since 2017, less than €1 million has been allocated nationally for community CCTV schemes, covering just 36 projects, with no funding provided so far in 2025 or 2026.
“We are spending public money without even tracking how many cameras are being delivered. That points to a system that is not working as it should,” he said.
Highlighting the broader benefits of CCTV, he said it can act as both a deterrent and a support for prosecutions.
“There are too many cases of playgrounds being burned, drugs being dealt openly, and public spaces being degraded. CCTV is not a silver bullet, but it can play a significant role in preventing crime and supporting prosecutions,” he said.
He also pointed to a contrast between increased Garda recruitment and stagnant CCTV infrastructure.
“More than 11,000 people applied to join An Garda Síochána in 2025, with almost 600 new Gardaí attested and over 600 civilian staff recruited in 2024. Yet there has been no increase in Garda-operated CCTV cameras in Dublin in recent years, despite the clear need,” he said.
While new legislation governing CCTV is expected later this year and a Garda CCTV strategy is in development, Deputy Geoghegan said there is still no clear timeline for delivery.
“If we want safer public spaces in Dublin, we need to give Gardaí the tools to do their job. The Minister should adopt this legislation,” he said.
