For farmers, security of your farm and property is an important consideration.

Farmers across Ireland are continuing to invest in security measures such as CCTV, intruder alarms and access control systems to help keep farmhouses, yards, and outbuildings secure.

However, it is important to be aware that where these measures are installed for security purposes, the work must be carried out by a contractor licenced by the Private Security Authority (PSA).

This applies to the installation of CCTV, intruder alarms and access control systems used to protect buildings, yards, or other property.

Contractors providing these services are required to hold a PSA licence and meet the standards set out under the licencing system.

There is an important distinction in relation to CCTV. Cameras installed solely for animal welfare purposes, such as monitoring calving, or foaling, do not require a PSA licence.

However, where CCTV is installed or extended to provide security coverage of farm buildings or property, the installer must be licensed.

This distinction is set out in the PSA licensing requirements and is important when deciding how CCTV is used on a farm.

When arranging the installation of security measures, farmers should take steps to confirm that the contractor they hire is licensed to carry out the work.

When buying security services you should check the following:

That your provider is licensed. The PSA website www.psa-gov.ie provides a register of licensed contractors and individuals. You can also contact the PSA at [email protected];
That documentation such as risk assessments and design proposals is specific to your premises. Generic documentation should never be accepted;
That you receive a certificate of completion for all installation and maintenance work carried out on your premises;
That you receive a compliance statement confirming that the contractor has all relevant insurance in place, that all equipment complies with the machinery directive and that all Health, Safety and Welfare at Work legislation is complied with.

If a contractor is not licenced or cannot provide this information, it is important to consider the potential implications.

Where work is not carried out in line with required standards, issues may arise if there is a fault or an incident.

Licensed contractors also provide guidance on suitable security measures. For example, a PSA licensed intruder alarm installer will carry out a security survey and recommend a system appropriate to the premises.

Security matters

Intruder alarms

There are many types of intruder alarm available, each having different characteristics.

A PSA licensed intruder alarm installer will undertake a security survey of your premises, evaluate the security needs of your property and help you select the most appropriate intruder alarm for your premises.

Keys and locks

If keys cannot be accounted for, locks may need to be replaced.

A PSA licensed locksmith can advise you on the best lock for your entrance and install same to ensure maximum security.

Automated gates

Automatic gates are powerful machines which can pose a risk to both children and adults alike.

Automatic gates must be installed by trained PSA licensed installers and regularly maintained for optimum safety and security.

Monitored services

Monitored alarms deter burglars. Consult your PSA licensed alarm installer about the best alarm and monitoring service to secure your farm and your home.

A PSA licensed monitoring centre ensures that somebody will respond quickly to your alarm.

The PSA provides a public register of licence holders on its website, which can be used to confirm that a contractor is licensed before work is carried out.

For farmers and rural businesses, checking that a provider is PSA licensed is a straightforward step that helps ensure compliance with the law and supports standards across the private security industry.