August 1st, 2003

Netwatch System may be used by Gardaí [Irish Examiner]

Security monitoring firm Netwatch is hopeful that the Gardaí will consider using its Netwatch System for CCTV monitoring systems in Ireland's cities and towns following a recent visit to the company by the Minister for Justice, Mr. Michael McDowell.

The company, which has already made a presentation to Carlow Chamber of Commerce with regard to providing CCTV for the streets of Carlow believes that is 'intelligent' security system could play a major role in reducing the rate of crime on our streets.

Netwatch's Sales Director David Walsh said :"To keep one Garda in a designated street or area for a constant period uses a lot of vital man-hours. Likewise, it would require in excess of 10 Gardaí to operate their own monitoring centre assuming two Gardaí were on monitoring duty, round the clock. Deploying Netwatch's integrated security and CCTV system would release Gardaí for more vital work".

Established six months, Netwatch Ireland has installed the Netwatch system in premises throughout France and Spain.  From its central command centre in Carlow, Netwatch provides cost effective monitoring and control of remote site activity 24 hours a day, reducing the need for on-site guards.