Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)

When looking at the cost of developing Thornton Hall, one must take into account that Mountjoy Prison is old and inefficient and that the Prison Service estimates that by replacing it at Thornton, we will achieve operational savings of €30 million to €40 million per year. In addition, its cost is being funded in part by the sale of Shanganagh, which will eventually yield between €15 million and €20 million, and the sale of the Mountjoy site which should realise between €60 million and €90 million. Furthermore, freeing up the site of the Central Mental Hospital in Dundrum will bring more than €100 million to the State.

See this speech in context