Departmental Properties.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 February 2004

Tuesday, 10 February 2004

Questions (330)

Joe Costello

Question:

406 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason Shanganagh Castle open prison has not been sold a year after he announced the closure and sale of the premises; if any legal difficulty has arisen regarding the proposed sale; if there are staff still retained in the prison; the cost to the Exchequer of maintaining the prison for the past 12 months; the plans he has for the prison; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3612/04]

Written answers

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

Agreement in principle for the terms of the sale of the property has been reached with Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council. No major legal difficulties have arisen to date and I expect the sale to be completed this year. A minimal staffing presence has been retained to maintain the security of the premises. Maintenance costs for the year 2003 were approximately €117,000.