Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

On the proposal to construct a new prison in Cork adjacent to the existing prison, development consent for prison development is sought under Part 4 of the Prisons Act 2007, under which major prison developments are subject to a special approval procedure rather than the normal planning process. The main steps involved are written ministerial direction that Part 4 applies, the preparation of an environmental impact assessment, EIA, a public consultation process, a report by a rapporteur on the submissions and observations received, consideration by the Minister, approval by resolution passed by both Houses of the Oireachtas and approval confirmed by an Act of the Oireachtas. In June 2012 the Minister for Justice and Equality issued a direction, SI No. 240/2012, that the Part 4 procedures should apply to the new prison in Cork. A detailed EIA was laid before both Houses on 8 November last year and notice was given to the public of the proposed development. A rapporteur, Mr. James Farrelly, prepared a report on the submissions and observations received.

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