Paul McGrath (Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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Question 310: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will report on the requests made by residents in Blanchardstown, Dublin 15 to locate the proposed Probation and Welfare Service to a location near the town centre; and the position regarding that proposal. [3037/05]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I presume that, in referring to the town centre, the Deputy is referring to Blanchardstown shopping centre. I can inform the Deputy that the old AIB premises at Main Street, Blanchardstown, was acquired by the Office of Public Works on behalf of the Probation and Welfare Service on 15 April 2002. The intention was to renovate and extend these premises, using one portion as a local office and the other as a probation centre under the national development plan. However, before proceeding with the refurbishment project, due to concerns which emerged in the matter, my Department decided to review the suitability of the location in question and examine alternative options in the Blanchardstown area, including the town centre.

If an alternative location ultimately emerges for this centre, appropriate steps will be taken to avoid loss to the Exchequer arising from the acquisition of the original premises in Blanchardstown.