Welcome for CCTV cameras in Navan

Plans for new CCTV cameras to be installed around Navan have been welcomed as a huge step in combating crime and anti-social behaviour.

New cameras are to be installed at Johnstown, Flower Hill, The Round O, Old Cornmarket and the Windtown /N51 junction and Abbey Road roundabout.

Councillors were told at the recent monthly meeting that any difficulties between the Gardai and Meath Co Council over data protection has been resolved and the groundwork has been laid for the provision of the new cameras.

Seven of the new cameras are to be installed in Johnstown, at locations such as the shopping centre, Johnstown village and Metges Road.

Councillors were told that when the existing cameras in central Navan were installed, there was a significant drop in anti-social behaviour.

Cllr Alan Lawes welcomed the cameras for Johnstown, pointing out that there has been a lot of anti-social behaviour in the area, as well as open drug dealing.

“This is welcomed not only by the municipal councillors but also local residents as it will help combat anti-social problems in the area.”

Cllr Emer Tóibín also welcomed the proposed cameras and called for further cameras to be provided at the Ramparts car park and the Blackcastle shops.

“There has been an increase in anti-social behaviour in Navan and this should be a big help. Existing CCTV cameras saw a reduction of 50 per cent in anti-social behaviour.

“It is very heartening that this has been announced, particularly those for the Johnstown area, where residents have complained of anti-social behaviour.

“It’s not that we want to see a ‘Big Brother’ scenario in Navan, but needs must,” she said.

The installation of CCTV covering all of the approach roads to Duleek as well as the main streets and Donore village has proved a huge success, according to Senator Sharon Keogan.

“It has made an absolutely huge difference,” she said. “Crime is down by 50 per cent.”

The Duleek and Donore cameras were provided by Duleek and Donore text alert and the Superintendent in Ashbourne is the data controller, The cameras were installed in July 2017.

When new GDPR legislation was introduced the following year, the number plate recognition software in the cameras had to be disabled but otherwise everything remained the same.

“They are monitoring the entire area 24/7,” she said.

Senator Keogan welcomed the new cameras for Navan and said she had beern advising the Mayor, Cllr Francis Deane on the issue.