Planning granted for CCTV at playground in Collooney
PLANNING permission has been granted for the installation of security cameras at Collooney playground, which was damaged by vandals over a year ago.
The playground had to be closed after the act of vandalism in November 2019, which local county councillor Thomas Healy described as “like someone getting a bottle bank and turning it upside down”.
Glass was scattered across the playground and in some of the tunnels and some equipment was also damaged. Because of the amount of glass and the nature of the special matting in the playground a specialised vaccum cleaner was required to clear the glass and that cost around €2,500.
To try to prevent something similar happening in the future the playground committee decided that CCTV was needed as a deterrent and have been fundraising to cover the cost of around €10,000.
The Collooney Village Redevelopment Ltd, which is responsible for looking after the Fair Green in the village, applied for planning approval for the installation of a CCTV system of cameras mounted to existing poles to cover the playground and tennis court area at the the Fair Green.
Sligo County Council has given permission for the installation of cameras on existing poles on the boundaries of the playground/tennis courts. According to the planning application each of five poles are to have a minimum of 2 cameras and two will have 3 cameras. The council planner initially sought further information in relation to the orientation/direction of the cameras to examine its impact on houses around the playground as well as details of the level of public consultation, if any, with the local commuity.
The committee submitted further information including documentation provided by security company Power Right indicating that no cameras were pointing in the direction of residential areas.
They also submitted a copy of a consultation letter which was circulated to each potentially affected household and to which no objections were received. A letter from the gardai supported the proposal, stating that it was seen as a positive development for the area and “could greatly enhance the creation of a safe environment for the community”.