An Garda Síochána Launches Public Consultation on Draft Code of Practice for Third-Party Live CCTV

An Garda Síochána has launched a public consultation on a draft Code of Practice for third-party live Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) feeds, with submissions open until 14 September 2026.

An Garda Síochána's mission is supported by a commitment to working with communities and using available resources, including technology, to prevent and detect crime. Public CCTV is one of these technologies.

Third-party live CCTV feeds are defined as CCTV footage made by a controller who is a third party to An Garda Síochána, provided as a monitor feed to An Garda Síochána. CCTV in Ireland is in widespread use and subject to regulatory frameworks, and there is increased demand to access third-party CCTV systems to tackle a range of offences, including drug-related crimes, vehicle and property crimes, and public order offences.

While the use of third-party CCTV by a police service can have great merit, it can also have a direct impact on the human rights of individuals, and its use must therefore be carefully planned and competently managed.

The Garda Síochána (Recording Devices) Act 2023 provides the current legal framework for the use of various recording devices, including third-party live CCTV feeds. Part 8 of the Act stipulates a new Code of Practice on third-party live CCTV feeds is required. The Code aims to provide further detail on the general operation of these feeds, and An Garda Síochána is now seeking input from members of the public on the draft document. Engagement with relevant Government departments will take place alongside the public consultation.

In addition to seeking the views of the public, the Garda Commissioner is also mandated to seek views from the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, the Policing and Community Safety Authority, the Office of the Police Ombudsman (Fiosrú), the Data Protection Commission and the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission.

Prior to the Code of Practice being issued through the Part 8 consultation process, a Human Rights Impact Assessment was conducted, and a Data Protection Impact Assessment will also be carried out before the Code of Practice can be considered by the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration for publication as a Statutory Instrument.

Paul Cleary, Deputy Commissioner, Security, Strategy and Governance:

"Third-party live CCTV feeds are in widespread use in Ireland and can prove invaluable in the prevention, investigation, detection and prosecution of criminal offences. This new draft Code of Practice allows An Garda Síochána to continue supporting communities through the use of CCTV technology.

The public's views on how An Garda Síochána interacts with third-party live CCTV feeds systems will help us to continue to provide a community-focused policing service."

Members of the public can read more about the consultation, download the draft Code of Practice and submit feedback via the Third Party Live CCTV Feeds page on the Garda website. An extensive set of frequently asked questions has also been provided to support the document.

Any personal data provided by respondents is processed under Article 6(1)(a) and Article 9(2)(a) of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and Section 55(1)(b)(i) of the Data Protection Act 2018, as applicable. Any personal data provided will not be retained for longer than is strictly necessary for the purposes of any analysis or reviewing of the feedback results.