Garda security camera was not working during riots

Cameras that could have provided vital footage of the riots on Dublin's O'Connell Street were out of order due to lack of funding and, according to local businesspeople, a lack of concern. By Michelle Merrigan

The security camera responsible for the surveillance of one of the largest catchment areas in Dublin city centre stretching through Summerhill, Parnell Street, Marlborough Street and North Great George's Street was not working on the day of the Dublin riots on 25 February. Locals says this was because the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform would not sanction the expenditure necessary to repair the cameras and upgrade the system.

Following those riots, Michael McDowell, Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, urged eyewitnesses, journalists and members of the public to come forward with photographic and/or video evidence. He further appealed for private closed circuit television footage of the area. But the Garda security camera that could have provided some of the most valuable evidence was not working. Even when the camera is working, it records on VHS tape, which takes weeks to be formatted to digital as only the HQ of An Garda Síochána, has the necessary technology to do that.

A Garda source in Store Street stated that the camera was not working because of a "faulty microwave transmitter".

John Fitzpatrick, owner of The Welcome Inn on Parnell Street says, "I have gone so far as to suggest to the guards that they put a free-swinging camera in place even if it is not recording to act as a deterrent to the local gangs. On any given day, there is open drug dealing on every corner. It's too easy for them – they see the camera face one way and cross the street to commit a crime. If you go to London they have closed circuit television cameras hidden in black spherical balls, so you are never sure in which direction its is pointing. It also protects those who think an open camera is impinging on our civil liberties.

"A week after the riots, I walked past O'Connell Street Garda Station and the doors were closed. When I called them they said this was due to the pavement works outside. The contractors have facilitated every other business on the street so it is completely unnecessary."

Dave Dunne, who is the postmaster for the area said, "We make the third largest social welfare payout in the Dublin area every week and those up to no good in the area know this. My staff and I are constantly facing violent outbreaks in the shop and we get no support whatsoever from the guards. A week after the riots, I arrived back from holiday and was informed that the camera still wasn't functioning. I have made countless calls to the guards about this issue but the answer is always 'next week sometime'."