CCTV network to crack down on St Patrick's day problems in Belfast
A CCTV network aimed at reducing the drunken violence which marred recent St Patrick’s Day celebrations in Belfast’s student district was switched on today.
The £100,000 (€110,000) system of 12 cameras will allow police to monitor the Holyland area in the south of the city 24 hours a day.
It is one of a number of initiatives undertaken in a bid to avoid the riotous scenes that blighted the heavily populated residential streets last March 17.
A number of police officers were injured in the day-long disturbances involving hundreds of inebriated revellers.
The closed circuit network is a joint project involving the police, the city council and a number of government agencies.
The system will be supported by 25 council wardens who are to start patrolling the area.
Chairman of the council’s health and environmental services committee Pat McCarthy said: “These plans have been in the pipeline for some time and I’m delighted to be here today to see how real partnership working has delivered, helping to create a safer Belfast for all.".
“The issues associated with the university area, and the Holyland in particular, have been well documented and the launch of this scheme today shows the commitment of Belfast City Council and its partners to work together and pool resources to find practical solutions, and deliver tangible results for residents and the wider community.”
The scheme is being run on a pilot basis for a year and may be rolled out in other locations in the city after a 12 month review.
