Vol. 478 No. 4
178 Mr. N. Ahern asked the Minister for Justice the current plans and proposals, if any, there are in relation to the construction of the new women's prison in Mountjoy, Dublin 7; when work will commence; when it will be completed; the estimated cost, size, capacity and location within the Mountjoy complex; if it will include the demolition of the Cowley Place derelict houses; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11248/97]
I signed the contract for the construction of the new women's prison and associated prison facilities on 23 April and preparatory works have already been commenced on the site. Completion is due in 18 months. This facility, which has been specially planned and designed with the particular needs of our female prisoner population in mind, will accommodate up to 64 prisoners. The new prison will be located at Cowley Place, Dublin 7, on a site lying between Mountjoy Prison and the North Circular Road. The relevant Local Government planning procedures in respect of this development, which includes provision for the demolition of the remaining derelict and disused prison staff housing at Cowley Place, have been completed. The cost of construction of the new prison and the associated facilities will be slightly over £12.6 million.
