asked the Minister for Justice if he will outline the entire amount of capital expenditure that has been expended on Loughan House, County Cavan, since its conversion in 1978-79 for custodial use; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Loughan House Capital Expenditure.
51.
Loughan House was acquired in 1972, at a cost of £63,000, for development as a place of open custody and has been used for custodial purposes since that time. Between 1972 and 1977 it was used for about 40 male offenders in the 16 to 23 age group. During that period there was an approximate outlay of £19,000 on essential adaptations. Between 1978 and 1983, pending construction of Trinity House in Lusk by the Department of Education, it was used temporarily as a special school for about 25 very unruly male offenders in the 12 to 16 age group. Since 1983 it is in use for about 115 male offenders of 18 years and upwards. Capital outlay since 1978 totals £4.01 million. This was in respect of major adaptation of the original house acquired, additional buildings needed, staff accommodation, services, sewage treatment and access roadways.