At the Annual General Meeting in 2014 it was decided to embark on a fisibility study to look at erecting CCTV cameras in Dunmore Community Alert area. This process was very slow and only for the great work and persistence of the committee this project would have failed. A pilot scheme was granted by Alan Kelly, Minister of the Environment and at the Ploughing Championship in Ratheniska the Minister announced that a grant of 50,000 euro was allocated to erect CCTV cameras. This money had to be matched by the committee. With the support of the community and many fundraising projects the money was raised and the green light was granted that the cameras could be erected. The grant was given to Laois County Council and was given to Dunmore Community alert when all work was done to the satisfaction of the Council. This project would not have happened without the great work and support of John Whelan, Laois IFA ( Pat Hennessey and Ger Bergin) Kieran Keogh, LCC, Chief Super. John Scanlon, Tom Dillon and the Trojan wOrk done by the committee.
In 2016 the cameras were installed and officially commissioned by Alan Kelly. The erection of CCTV cameras in the Dunmore Catchment area has made the lives of everyone a lot more pleasant and they can sleep at night happily knowing that the cameras are looking out for them. The crime rate is now practically zero. The cameras have also helped the Gardaí in solving many other crimes committed elsewhere. Dunmore Community Alert was the first CCTV cameras erected in the county and since 2016 another 13 schemes have CCTV in their area. Laois County Council has recently undertaken the role of Data control for all 14 schemes and now a Federation of CCTV schemes has been set up. Dunmore Community alert have three Data Processers.
The cost of maintaining and upgrading the cameras is expensive and fund raising is essential to have enough funds to keep the cameras in operation. The co-operation of the residents who pay an annual subscription and their support to fundraising is most appreciated.
On Saturday February 29th Dunmore Community will showcase all what’s good in our area in the Castle Arms Hotel Durrow starting at 3 pm. The results of the children’s art competition will be the first on the programme at 3 pm followed by Clown and Magic show with face painting. A cookery demonstration from Castlewood Organic farm is next, Fashion Show by Fifty Seven Boutique, Floral Demonstration by Oliver Lawlor, Frist Aid and CPR from Durrow Fire and Rescue Service. The Raffle and Door prizes will be next and the best wine till last a Coral Recital by Vocem Daru. A great variety to suit everyone, all welcome.
Dunmore Community Alert is working with other interested groups who wish to have CCTV cameras in their area. Dunmore Community Alert is the result of great work, passion, dedication and determination by several people in the area who wished and longed for their homes, property and goods to be safe. To these people we say Thanks and we look forward to many years of CCTV in our area.