This matter refers to the need for the Minister for Defence to provide accommodation for the Phoenix youth project in St. Bricin's Hospital accessing directly from O'Devaney Gardens. Discussions on this matter have been ongoing for a extended period and I am anxious to discover the current position. How is it proposed to deal with the re-location of the youth project?
The Phoenix Project enjoys the support and sponsorship of a large number of organisations including the City of Dublin VEC, the Eastern Health Board, the Department of Education and Science, the Garda Síochána and the community in general. The young people involved in it are regarded as being at high risk. These individuals have either dropped out of school or been expelled and are at risk of getting into trouble. The intention behind the project is that they should be provided with a range of services, training and education, and that these services should be provided within their area.
The facilities being provided at present are situated in O'Devaney Gardens and they are completely inadequate due to the confined space available. It is imperative that an alternative location should be provided. I understand the Department has been considering the provision of such a location. The original proposal to locate the project in the environs of St. Bricin's met with opposition from local residents in the Arbour Hill area on the basis that those involved in the project would have to travel through Oxmantown Road, Stoneybatter, Arbour Hill, Cavalry Row and past the old folks' home in St. Bricin's Park to gain access to it. In view of people's concerns about the proposed access point and the fact that St. Bricin's Hospital is accessible from the rear from O'Devaney Gardens, that would seem a more suitable point of entry.
What is the state of play? I would like to see the youth project getting better accommodation in the St. Bricin's area. I would also like to know where it will be located, how that location is to be accessed and to have the matter resolved as soon as possible.