Towns throughout the country are to share €2.75 million in funding to help them install CCTV cameras, Minister for Justice Brian Lenihan has announced.
Mr Lenihan approved the grants in the latest round of funding for the community-based CCTV Scheme to tackle anti-social behaviour.
Minister for Justice Brian Lenihan
Speaking at Ballymun Civic Centre in Dublin, Mr Lenihan said: "In supporting the work of An Garda Síochána, CCTV schemes can play an important role in fighting and deterring crime and anti-social behaviour, and . . . afford a greater peace of mind to communities."
Mr Lenihan said crime affects "the whole of society" and that it cannot be tackled effectively without the support and engagement of local communities.
Ballymun, which is undergoing massive redevelopment, will benefit by €1 million - over a third of today's total allocation - with funds provided for five local groups under the umbrella of the Ballymun Regeneration company.
Sixteen local groups from 12 areas around the country will be given grants under the latest wave of funding. This will provide the groups with capital to install and operate their own systems under the guidance of local authorities and the Garda.
Grants have been awarded to groups from Dublin's north-west inner city; Drogheda; Dundalk; Ennis; Kilkenny; Kileely/Thomondgate, Limerick; Longford town; Manorhamilton town, Co Leitrim; Mullaghmatt, Co Monaghan; Thurles, Co Tipperary; and Tralee, Co Kerry.
Under today's funding, €19,400 has been given to four groups as "predevelopment" funding to help them put together initial proposals for CCTV capital grants.
These groups are from Athboy, Co Meath; the Moatview/Darndale area of Dublin; Ballymahon, Co Longford; and Tymon Bawn in Tallaght.
A total of 42 groups have received grants under the scheme to date.