Violet-Anne Wynne (Clare, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The reason I have called for a public meeting is because local residents have relayed legitimate concerns regarding whether the Department has consulted local services such as the Shannon health centre and schools in the area to ensure they will be adequately equipped to deal with extra capacity. I would also like information on the financials and particulars of the unit I have mentioned. The Minister said it is being looked at and information will be with his Department shortly. He might send that information to me.

Will the Minister confirm to the House how much the proposed refit of the unit will cost? Will he please inform us how he was able to rezone the unit, despite the fact it is in the Shannon Free Zone, which is purely an industrial and commercial zone, by definition? How will it be possible to bring the unit up to code in respect of basic sanitation, habitation standards and fire and safety regulations? I would also like clarity around the numbers of people who may take up residence there.

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