AQW 20277/17-22

Ms Claire Sugden
Independent
East Londonderry

Tabled Date: 11/06/2021
Answered On Date: 21/06/2021
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Justice (i) what consideration has she given to improving or installing CCTV in Portrush in an effort to deter and prosecute people engaging in antisocial or violent behaviour; and (ii) what conversations has she had with local police and the Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council regarding this issue.

Answer:

I do not routinely have conversations about the provision of CCTV as my Department does not specifically fund town centre or public-facing CCTV cameras in any council area and has no funding mechanisms available for CCTV related projects.

I understand that Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council have led considerations with local partners on the provision of public facing CCTV in Portrush and the surrounding area.

The Department of Justice Interfaces Programme occasionally receives requests to contribute to the costs of upgrading CCTV cameras specifically linked to an interface structure reduction or removal scheme. These requests are considered on a case-by-case basis and, if approved, funding is provided through the Executive T:BUC Strategy funding allocation to the Interfaces Programme to facilitate the work required. The Interfaces Programme does not currently fund any public facing CCTV cameras.

In order to tackle anti-social behaviour, my Department in partnership with the Northern Ireland Policing Board, provides annual funding to Policing and Community Safety Partnerships (PCSPs) who lead on the Department’s response to community safety issues at a local level. PCSPs tackle ASB by working in partnership with designated partners including PSNI; local statutory bodies/agencies; the voluntary sector and local communities.