Future of CCTV-monitoring centre in Limerick at risk due to €660k funding gap
Staff at the Moyross facility have been notified they will be let go if funding is not secured in the coming works
A FUNDING shortfall of €660,000 could see the monitoring of hundreds of CCTV cameras being curtailed.
At a special meeting of Limerick City and County Council, councillors were told a lack of Government funding could mean lay-offs and the shutdown of cameras linked to the CCTV monitoring facility at Moyross Community Enterprise Centre.
Currently, footage from 367 cameras across Limerick city and county, is monitored at the centre 365 days a year.
Alan Dooley, Head of Digital Strategy at the local authority, said “less than half” of the funding required to continue operating at the current level for another year has been secured.
Following the meeting, Mayor John Moran welcomed the unanimous decision of elected members to write letters to minister Jim O’Callaghan and James Browne, as a matter of urgency.
The letters are seeking dedicated Government funding to support the expansion and enhancement of public CCTV infrastructure across Limerick.
"Last year I stepped up and plugged the funding gap when ministers asked for time to develop a permanent solution. Now it is time for the Government to step up to their responsibilities. That is why we are now asking Government to partner with us by providing dedicated funding that will allow Limerick to further develop this vital infrastructure,” said Mayor Moran.
Cllr Sharon Benson, who requested the special meeting, said: “This is a super duper CCTV camera system, it’s there out of necessity. It’s been instrumental in moving on from days gone. Limerick cannot go back to the way it was.”
Mr Dooley confirmed a decrease in the level of annual support from Government has resulted in a funding shortfall of €660,000 for 2027.
Staff at the Moyross facility have been notified they will be let go if funding is not secured.