Prison Accommodation.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 3 March 2005

Thursday, 3 March 2005

Ceisteanna (170)

Eamon Gilmore

Ceist:

170 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the arrangement which he has made to protect, manage and secure the buildings of the former prison at Shanganagh Castle, Shankill; if the buildings have been damaged or have deteriorated in any way since the closure of the prison; the cost of maintaining and managing the buildings since the closure; his plans for the future of these buildings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7391/05]

Freagraí scríofa

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

The Prison Service has in place arrangements to ensure that the property is maintained in a secure and safe manner. I am not for obvious reasons going to go into detail about the specific measures but I can confirm that the buildings have not been damaged or vandalised since the closure. A total of €129,798.52 has been expended to date on security related measures and in addition to this, one member of staff has remained in a caretaker capacity.

A contract has been signed for the sale of 21.5 acres of the lands to Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council and the conveyance is due to be completed on 30 May next. I intend to dispose of the balance of the property including the buildings later this year. The proceeds of both transactions will be utilised towards prison capital projects.