Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 18 Jun 2002

Vol. 553 No. 2

Written Answers. - Probation Services.

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

595 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the history of the proposal to site a new regional probation office in Donaghmede shopping centre, Dublin 13; the status of the proposal and the precise plans in this regard; if he has consulted with the local residents and traders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13181/02]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell)

The Probation and Welfare Service has a strategy for the localisation of service offices. At present the service has offices in Crumlin, Dún Laoghaire, Ballyfermot, Finglas and Tallaght. Other offices are planned for Parnell Street, Bray, Blanchardstown, Ballymun and the south inner city.

Over three years ago, as part of the service's strategy already mentioned, the probation and welfare service and the Office of Public Works identified offices in the Donaghmede shopping centre as being suitable for a service office. The Office of Public Works and the owners of the premises of Donaghmede shopping centre negotiated a contract to rent the offices. In March 2002 planning permission was sought to adapt the building to service the needs of the probation and welfare service. The permission was obtained and the next stage will be to tender for and carry out work on the premises. This process will take approximately 12 to 18 months. The office will not become operational until this work has been completed.

A new facility of the nature proposed is necessary to serve the needs of Donaghmede and surrounding areas and is necessary for the delivery of the obligations on the probation and welfare service for family conferencing under the recently enacted Children Act, 2001. In addition the following services will be provided: liaison with local community organisations and other agencies, including an Garda Síochána, the offices will be used as a venue for meetings with those and other agencies; management of persons on court orders coming from the local area; local office for the north Dublin probation and welfare service.

On the 20 May 2002, probation and welfare service personnel met with traders at Donaghmede shopping centre. A further meeting took place on 23 May 2002, at the Office of Public Works and was attended by service personnel and representatives of Harcourt Management Properties, the owners of Donaghmede Shopping Centre. The representatives of the owners of the centre were advised of the issues raised at the meeting with the traders. The owners undertook to meet with the traders again and to report back to the Office of Public Works. It would be inappropriate to make any further statement on this matter until such time as the owners report back to the Office of Public Works.