CCTV has been placed on my street or community area – is this allowed?

Yes, this is allowed sometimes (for example a community-based CCTV system), but it is important that those operating the cameras, storing the images and destroying the images obey data protection law.

Under the community-based CCTV scheme, local organisations can apply for funding to set up community CCTV systems. You can get a code of practice for community-based CCTV systems from the Department of Justice and Law Reform. This code sets out how the images should be taken, stored and accessed. 

If you have concerns about the use of community-based CCTV, you should contact the organisation operating it to see if it is following the code of practice. You can also contact the office of the Data Protection Commissioner about your concerns.

My neighbour has erected CCTV and I think the camera may point at part of my property. What can I do?

In some areas, your neighbour may not need a licence or planning permission to set up CCTV on his or her property. So the first thing you should do is talk about your concerns with your neighbour. 

If you think the CCTV is causing you harrassment, you should contact the Gardaí.

You could also contact a solicitor who could advise you whether you could sue your neighbour for invasion of privacy. 

The Luas or DART line runs near my property and the CCTV is pointing at part of my house or garden – what can I do?

You should contact the company that operates the Luas or DART (see contact details at the end of this pack) and tell them about your concerns. 

You can also contact the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner, which may be able to help.

What about CCTV used by the Gardaí?

The Gardaí have the right to operate CCTV systems to protect against crime and for reasons of safety and public order. 

If you have any concerns about the operation of Garda CCTV, contact the Gardaí (see contact details at the end of this pack). The Gardaí must obey data protection laws. You can also contact the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner