In order to Monitor Alarms originating in the Republic of Ireland, an ARC is required to hold a Private Security Authority (PSA) license. This applies equally to ARC’s located outside Ireland which monitor alarm signals from Ireland. The Garda Siochana (Irish Police force) will request details of PSA licensing prior to approving a monitoring centre for Garda response.
Since 1st November 2014, the standard required to obtain a PSA license has been PSA 33:2014. This standard includes the non-technical requirements for licensing (e.g. Tax Clearance, Insurance, Staff Selection etc.) and makes reference to the technical standards required. The standard is available free of charge from the PSA and EQA websites (link). The technical standards required for new entrants are EN 50518 and SR 25. ARC’s which were licensed prior to 31st October may continue with certification to IS 228 and SR25 for an interim period. All ARC’s need to prepare a contingency plan as per section 11 of EN 50518-2 (independent of whether certification is to EN 50518 or IS 228).
EN 50518:2019 is now in place and has replace EN50518:2013.
EN50518:2019 combines all three sections of EN 50518:2013 into one standard. While updates have been made the main focus of the 2019 standard is to bring the standard into one piece.
All future and current EN 50518 clients will be audited to the 2019 version.
SR 25 (“Alarm Receiving Centres Alarm – Handling Procedures”) is primarily focused on reducing false alarms. This is now a mandatory requirement for all ARC’s.