I tabled a parliamentary question to the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform asking him which land areas had been examined in regard to the proposed facility for the Prison Service headquarters, a storage facility and juvenile place of detention. I was disappointed with the response in which I was told that, on foot of advertisements, submissions regarding 25 properties had been received and that another 15 sites were in State ownership. I was disappointed I was not given any details on any of these alternative facilities which might have helped. Possibly, some submissions were made in confidence and I can only presume they were made by landowners who were not able to have their land rezoned for residential purposes and possibly thought they could make a few bucks by selling it as prison space.
I know Inchicore was turned down as a site and that Lucan was considered. I wish to point to the unsuitability of the site at Newlands Villa. That is the reason I ask the Minister to strongly consider reviewing the matter. Although an advertisement was placed in the newspapers before Christmas in this regard, it is still not too late to stop it. The response to the parliamentary question I tabled stated no final decision had been taken but given that an advertisement has been placed seeking submissions, etc., the Government must be strongly considering the Clondalkin site.
There are a number of reasons the site is not suitable. It is located on the Naas Road in the Tallaght electoral area just outside my constituency of Dublin Mid-West. It is, however, in the townland of Clondalkin in which there are already two prison facilities. I have never been an advocate of the "not in my back yard" syndrome but there is a certain siege mentality in Clondalkin which is considered to be a disadvantaged area, no less than Tallaght. I am glad the Minister of State, Deputy Brian Lenihan, is keeping an eye on proceedings.
That is a minor point but the main point is that the proposed site is located in a green belt area which has for years been fought for by the communities in Kingswood, Tallaght and Clondalkin. It is a precious piece of land because some of the other land in the area is owned by the IRFU. There is a belief that if the facility goes ahead and a significant chunk of the green belt is eaten into, the rest of it will be diminished and there will be no green belt along the Belgard Road and the Naas dual carriageway between Clondalkin and Tallaght.
I suggest the Minister uses an existing brown field site or facility such as the one in Shanganagh which, given its type, would have to be significantly altered. I have received submissions from various members of the Prison Service on the q.t. in that regard. Whatever his thoughts on the matter, will the Minister look again at its location? There are other facilities on greenfield sites which would not act as a border between areas and have potential. There is a reliable public transport service, even as far out as Maynooth, and land banks available, possibly at agricultural land prices, which would be more suitable.
I highlight the significant danger to the public arising from the proposed location which borders the Naas dual carriageway, off which access would be gained. A key point is that South Dublin County Council planners have made a submission objecting in the strongest terms to the proposed location. The zoning of the land allows for prison utilities, a Travellers' halting site, certain types of golf developments or spaced out agriculture type housing. The planners take a realistic view in regard to zoning for amenity purposes but, using their expert analysis, have decided the proposed development is not in the interests of proper planning and development of the Clondalkin-Tallaght area. I hope their submission will be taken on board by the Commissioners of Public Works. If not, I hope the Minister will take it on board.
I do not know whether the Tánaiste and Deputy Curran from the Dublin Mid-West constituency have made representations to the Minister but as an Opposition Deputy, my hands are not as tied. Will the Minister take into consideration the fact that South Dublin County Council has stated it is a dangerous location? The National Roads Authority generally would not allow road access. I, therefore, question the reason it is allowing it in this case. I urge the Minister to review this location. While we need prison facilities, this is the wrong location.
