CCTV cameras Running in Mullingar

CCTV is running in Mullingar, in what is 'an excellent development for policing in Mullingar', the Chief Superintendent Willie Ryan told the county"s Joint Policing Committee.Although there are still a few loose ends to tie up with the new system, the network of sixteen cameras went into action on Thursday last, and from from now on will keep watch over the streets of Mullingar 24 hours a day, and seven days a week.Chief Supt. Ryan said that the cameras are capable of panning 360 degrees, and the pan, tilt and zoom functions of the devices can be operated from the newly revamped communications room at Mullingar Garda Station.The Westmeath Garda chief updated the JPC members about the Mullingar CCTV apparatus, as he reported on the current state of law and order in the county.He said that the volume of crime in Westmeath is 'decreasing substantially', but that there had been a slight increase in serious assaults.One of the objectives of the Mullingar CCTV system is to reduce the number of public order incidents and assaults in Mullingar, such as those which take place late at night during weekends.The County Manager, Danny McLoughlin, asked Chief Supt. Ryan if Westmeath County Council, as a planning authority, would have scope to identify new areas for CCTV coverage and to possibly extend the system.Mr. McLoughlin said that this situation might arise, for example, as the Council considers a planning application for a new nightclub in the future.Chief Supt. Ryan said that he would be happy to discuss how this might be achieved, adding that the monitoring system at Mullingar Garda Station can accommodate extra cameras.But he said that there would be a significant 'cost issue' in setting up new cameras.