Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 4 Mar 1992

Vol. 416 No. 7

Written Answers. - Finglas (Dublin) Girls' Centre.

Mary Flaherty

Question:

83 Miss Flaherty asked the Minister for Education if he will outline the plans his Department have to build a secure centre for girls at St. Laurence's, Finglas, Dublin 11; whether the proposals will require planning permission; whether discussions have taken place with the local community; and his views on the intensification of such uses on this site.

Minister for Education (Mr. S. Brennan)

The proposed new centre for girls in Finglas will cater for 20 young offenders, eight places for remand and/or assessments and 12 long stay places. There will also be a secure unit for up to three girls where withdrawal from the centre proper becomes necessary.

The planning process for the new centre is now at an advanced stage and it is expected that construction work will commence about the middle of this year. While planning permission is not required, my Department are consulting with the local authority in compliance with section 84 of the Planning Acts. My predecessor and officials of my Department have had several meetings with interested local parties to fully inform them about the proposed new centre for girls.

My Department are satisfied that the site in question is adequate for the proposed development. The nature of the new development will be such that it will not interfere in the proper operation of the existing Finglas children's centres. The location of the new centre on this site will result in a greater utilisation of the existing recreational facilities there.