Dublin: Thousands of high-definition surveillance cameras manufactured by Chinese companies—banned in the US, UK, and Australia over security and privacy concerns—have been installed in public spaces across Ireland, according to newly released documents.
The revelations come from records obtained by the Irish Council for Civil Liberties (ICCL) under the Freedom of Information Act. The documents reveal the widespread use of surveillance equipment from Hikvision, a Chinese company with links to the Chinese Communist Party, in councils, hospitals, universities, and even government buildings across the country.
Surveillance Devices Installed in Sensitive Public Facilities
Despite mounting international scrutiny, Ireland continues to deploy these surveillance systems in sensitive locations, including courtrooms, hospital wards, and university campuses. Notably, the new Civil Defence headquarters in Cavan and the emergency response centre in Navan have been outfitted with Hikvision equipment. The Navan site alone is monitored by 15 such cameras.
Meath County Council has confirmed the installation of 288 Hikvision cameras. Kilkenny County Council uses 151 cameras across 17 locations, including the county courthouse, museum, and recycling centre. Other local authorities—such as those in Clare, Donegal, Offaly, Sligo, Longford, and Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown—have installed hundreds more, some equipped with advanced features such as facial recognition and behavioural analysis.
Kilkenny County Council did raise security concerns with suppliers. In response, Hikvision’s UK and Ireland office issued assurances that their products pose no threat to Ireland’s national security.
Healthcare Sector Also Widely Using Chinese Surveillance
The use of Chinese surveillance equipment extends into the healthcare system. Beaumont Hospital alone operates over 400 Hikvision cameras. Similar devices are installed at the National Maternity Hospital, the Royal Victoria Eye and Ear Hospital, and the under-construction National Children’s Hospital.
Surveillance in Higher Education
ICCL records show that at least 15 higher education institutions use Hikvision equipment, including the Dublin Dental University Hospital, University of Limerick, Technological University Dublin, and the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland.
Government Response and Lack of Oversight
Security experts and civil liberties advocates have expressed alarm over the government’s inaction, citing the risks of foreign surveillance, data privacy breaches, and a failure to align with international allies. While the US, UK, and Australia have banned the use of such equipment in official facilities following government reviews and security assessments, Ireland has yet to issue any formal guidance or policy restricting their use.
In 2023, the ICCL called on the Irish government to remove Hikvision equipment from all state buildings, citing threats to privacy, data protection, and human rights. Despite these calls, the devices remain widely deployed—including within Leinster House, the seat of the Irish Parliament.
The Department of Defence has stated that it has no oversight over civil defence security arrangements, which are managed by local authorities. This lack of centralised governance has raised further concerns about the coordination and accountability of surveillance practices nationwide.
The ICCL and cybersecurity analysts argue that Ireland is falling behind its global peers in addressing the national security implications of using Chinese-made surveillance equipment. The European Union has also advised member states to reduce reliance on Chinese technology due to potential espionage risks.
Hikvision Denies Allegations
In response to the controversy, a Hikvision spokesperson stated that the company complies with internationally accepted industry standards and does not control where its equipment is installed. The company insists it has never engaged in espionage and will not do so in the future.
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