Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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Question 70: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason his Department purchased a site for the probation and welfare service in Blanchardstown to locate its services; the further reason it sought and obtained planning permission for a probation and welfare centre on the site; the further reason it decided not to proceed with the development of the centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4954/05]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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The old AIB premises at Main Street, Blanchardstown, was acquired by the Office of Public Works on behalf of the Probation and Welfare Service. As the intention was to renovate and extend these premises, using one portion as a local office and the other as a probation centre, planning permission was required. The proposed change in the use of the building would also have required planning permission.

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 questionand examine alternative options in the Blanchardstown area, including locations near the town centre. It is hoped to have the matter resolved in the near future.