Dunmore CCTV scheme to combat motorway crime up and running

A state of the art CCTV system has been launched in Durrow and Dunmore, a pilot scheme that may be rolled out across Ireland to end motorway linked crime.

The Dunmore, Durrow Rural CCTV scheme got €50,000 in Dept of Environment funding, sought by Labour Senator John Whelan on behalf of the Dunmore Community Alert Group.

He also helped secure funding for a similar scheme in Borris-in-Ossory.

“Laois is leading the way in combating rural crime through these innovative rural CCTV projects in our villages off the M7 and M8 motorways. I am confident that these will help deter and detect travelling gangs raiding rural areas. This is an ideal blueprint which needs to be rolled out across the country,” Sen Whelan said.

He secured the funding for the project from Minister for Environment Alan Kelly.

Speakers at the launch included Ollie Clooney, the Chairman of Dunmore Community Alert, Pat Hennessy of Laois IFA and Garda Chief Superintendent John Scanlan.

The high tech system is up and running, and can read number plates, assisting Gardaí in tracing criminals.

“It is an excellent example of communities working in co-operation with the Gardai and the local authority. It is only part of the solution, we clearly need more Gardai and improved resources. Tighter legislation is now in place to curb lenient sentencing for organised gangs and repeat offenders,” Sen Whelan said.