CCTV cameras should be installed at strategic locations on key roads entering and exiting the county to help reduce crime.

That's according to Councillor Michael Cahill, who has requested that the Joint Policing Board and Kerry County Council investigate the feasibility of providing CCTV cameras to prevent and deter "roaming gangs" that are "robbing and breaking into homes and businesses".

The Fianna Fáil Councillor said at a recent meeting of the Joint Policing Committee that he understands that there are cost and GDPR constraints that have to be considered.

“This should only be considered on a highly regulated and restricted access basis and best practices of existing operations should also be examined, but it could be a very useful tool in the fight against crime in the county.”

Responding to Councillor Cahill, Chief Superintendent Foster said that "An Garda Síochána are extremely supportive of any initiative which will support our efforts to prevent and detect Criminal Offences in the county".

However, Councillor Cahill said he received a negative response to his proposal from Chief Superintendent Foster who stated that due to the cost factor and strict legal requirements around GDPR, it would not be suitable, stating that "taking account of the above factors, it is not considered that the proposal as set out would meet the requirements as set out by the Data Protection Commission in relation to the use of such CCTV technology".

"Almost every Community Council Committee, Tidy Towns Committee and Chamber Alliance Committee has campaigned for CCTV cameras to be installed in the towns and villages of Kerry," Councillor Cahill said.

"If we are serious about preventing crime and bringing criminals and drug dealers to justice, then this is the way to go. I have stated on many occasions in the past, that CCTV cameras should be installed at strategic locations on key roads entering and exiting our county. This is the only way that the roaming gangs that are robbing and breaking into homes and businesses across the county, can be monitored and brought to justice," he added.