Nora Owen
Ceist:168 Mrs. Owen asked the Minister for Education and Science the development plans proposed on the Trinity House/Oberstown Complex in Lusk, County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16231/00]
Written Answers. - Schools Building Projects.
Nora Owen
Ceist:170 Mrs. Owen asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will provide a current report on the provision of a secure fence on the Trinity House Complex in Lusk, County Dublin in view of the fact that Deputy Owen has been assured at least three times that this fence was to be provided during 1999; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16233/00]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 168 and 170 together.
My Department is pursuing a five year development plan in the young offender area. The plan envisages a major refurbishment of some of the existing custodial facilities, coupled with measures aimed at ensuring that the custodial facilities operated under my Department are capable of meeting their obligations under the forthcoming Children Bill, 1999.
In relation to the Trinity House-Oberstown Complex in Lusk, County Dublin, the development plans include the development of a new highly specialised secure unit to cater for six children. The architectural planning of this project is progressing with a view to the invitation of tenders later this year. The development of pre-release units to cater for young offenders who are nearing completion of their sentence. A design team was recently appointed to progress this project. Major refurbishment of both Oberstown boys and girls centres, leading to the eventual replacement of the existing residential units. Arrangements are currently under way for the appointment of a design team to progress this matter. Two of the three units which comprise Trinity House have already undergone very significant refurbishment over the past year. Further refurbishment work is currently being undertaken at Trinity House.
In relation to the provision of a secure fence to encompass the special schools complex at Lusk, consultants engaged by my Department are preparing the necessary technical documentation to allow tenders to be invited shortly for this project.
The planning of this project was delayed to allow for some changes to the details of the proposed fence resulting from the range of related developments on the campus.