Duleek sets the bar with new CCTV cameras
DULEEK and district has been heralded as leaders in the fight against crime.
A new state-of-the-art CCTV system has been introduced in Duleek and Donore, with up to 17 cameras trained on a roads and streets, many with number plate recognition.
The system was unveiled at an event in Duleek station last week and is set to be a huge asset to crime fighting in the region.
The chairman of the Duleek and District Text Alert group, Garda Ray Andrews said the text system had come into operation in 2012 and included the likes of Ardcath and Donore, a donation from Irish Cement vital to getting the service up and running.
In 2017, it was expanded to Julianstown, Laytown, Bettystown, Gormanston and Naul as well as other locations.
‘It is now one of the largest in Ireland,’ he added.
Three years ago, they began to look at CCTV as the area was seen as an ‘easy target’ by criminals and this year, Moran CCTV in Dundalk began the process of setting up the cameras.
He said there were now 14 cameras in Duleek and three in Donore and the council had played its part in getting them ready.
Sgt Dean Kearns, Michelle and Amanda from the text service and Sharon Keogan had all played a key part in the process.
The gardai will be in charge of the cameras and they’ll be viewed from the 24-hour Ashbourne station and also in Duleek.
Cllr Sharon Keogan thanked Indaver for their funding for the project and the councillors who backed it.
Chief Supt Healy said the Duleek project was a first for the country and would help people to feel safe in their homes.
He feels the system will assist the wider area when gardai are seeking the routes suspects in crimes take.
‘It sets the bar for others,’ he added.
There were special presentations to Christy Clarke from Meath CC, Sgt Dean Kearns, Garda Denise Paul and Sharon Keogan.