It was agreed at the Strategy Policy and Resources committee of Newry Mourne and Down District Council that the CCTV system in local town centres would be upgraded from the current analogue system to Digital IP.
This upgrade will see 41 static cameras replaced as part of the overall works in Newry, KIlkeel, Warrenpoint, Downpatrick, Newcastle, and Ballynahinch. Speaking at the meeting on Thursday evening (14 April), Eddie Curtis, Director of Strategic Planning and Performance, said: “We will have a demonstration of the system before it is finally operational to ensure that it delivering what is expected of it.
“The cameras will be able to zoom in and out and digital technology has come on leaps and bounds and there will be no problems with low resolution anymore. The cameras will be monitored in police stations in Gough Armagh and Lisburn.
“The existing analogue system was originally tendered and installed by the NIO in 2008/9 and after this was handed over to Council to manage. This system is now dated, costly to maintain and replacement parts are becoming difficult to find. The existing budget to operate, maintain and monitor the CCTV system is £150,000.
“We will also need to extend the existing CCTV maintenance and warranty for a further period of three to six months to allow continuity of current service in order for the legal or tendering process to be completed.
“And with the Digital IP system, we will also be able to install BT Broadband and wi-fi in our local towns where the cameras are located.”
Proposing the motion for the Council to approve the upgrade, Councillor Garth Craig said: ‘This is very important for personal safety and removing the fear of crime. I assume that the system will have infrared built into it and excellent quality images. I welcome the upgrade.”
