Derry City and Strabane District Council must fund most of its CCTV operations due to withdrawn external support. Ratepayers cover the largest share after the PSNI, Department of Justice and Northern Ireland Policing Board ended contributions for 2026/27 and later years.

The council's strategic director Barry O’Hagan stated the total estimated cost for 2026/27 stands at £276,021. The council provides £193,896 of that amount, with £82,125 from the Executive Office. The system includes 127 cameras monitored around the clock under a current contract. Coverage spans the Ebrington public realm site, city centre, interface areas, Peace Bridge, Foyle Bridge, the Quay front and Strabane town.

PSNI Chief Superintendent Gillian Kearney noted budgetary pressures forced cuts to non-core functions like CCTV funding. She said the PSNI values the system but prioritised officer numbers. Last year the PSNI made 1,259 requests for footage from the system.

Sinn Féin councillor Sandra Duffy described CCTV as a tool against violence against women and girls. She led a successful motion to invite PSNI Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson to address the council. Members also agreed to contact Justice Minister Naomi Long on funding shortfalls.

SDLP councillor Catherine McDaid called CCTV key infrastructure for tackling violence against women and girls. Sinn Féin councillor Paul Boggs criticised the PSNI and Department of Justice for withdrawing support despite relying on the system. SDLP councillor Brian Tierney said the council has sought stable funding for over ten years and questioned PSNI reliance on council-funded footage.