Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 8 Feb 1995

Vol. 448 No. 7

Written Answers. - Castlerea (Roscommon) Proposed Prison.

John Connor

Question:

34 Mr. Connor asked the Minister for Justice if her attention has been drawn to the failure to confirm that Phase 2 of the conversion of St. Patrick's Hospital, Castlerea, County Roscommon into a new prison would go ahead in 1995, giving rise to concern about the future of the project; and if she will outline her policy in relation to this proposal to provide 150 new places of detention in Castlerea, County Roscommon. [1160/95]

Minister for Justice (Mrs. Owen)

I am pleased to inform the Deputy and the House that I have decided to proceed without delay with the provision of a new closed prison for 150 adult male offenders on the site of St. Patrick's Hospital, Castlerea, County Roscommon.

Construction of the prison perimeter wall and associated works is well advanced and is due for completion about the middle of this year. Provision of the main prison complex will be by means of a design and build package contract. The Office of Public Works expects to be in a position to issue invitations to tender for this contract in the very near future. Construction of the main complex is likely to commence in early autumn this year and to extend over a period of about 18 months.