Sheila Terry (Fine Gael)

I welcome the Minister of State. The matter I wish to raise concerns the provision of a new location for the probation and welfare service in Dublin 15. I know the Minister of State is very familiar with this issue and is working to try to identify and secure another location for the service.

The service is very much needed in the Dublin 15 area and I support the decision to provide one but, as the Minister of State knows, many of the residents of Blanchardstown village have great concerns about locating it in the old AIB building on Main Street because of its proximity to a residential area and other facilities. They have expressed their opinions to the Minister of State and all the other relevant public representatives and have requested that an alternative site be made available. I understand the Office of Public Works is reviewing the matter. Will the Minister of State inform me of the progress of this review?

We are aware that another vacant property closer to the town centre has been identified by the residents as more appropriate for the probation and welfare service. It is on a bus route and this would facilitate the clients visiting it. I support the residents in their call for another location for the service and I hope that, with the help of the Minister of State, we will be able to identify a site and provide the service as soon as possible.