Ciarán Cuffe (Dún Laoghaire, Green Party)
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Question 146: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he, or members of staff at his Department, engaged in consultation with Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council on the proposed sale of Shanganagh Castle and lands; if so, if such consultation addressed the way the lands might be developed with the best interests of the local community in mind; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30702/06]

Trevor Sargent (Dublin North, Green Party)
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Question 178: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the way he which he will use the proceeds of the sale of Shanganagh Castle, County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30703/06]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 146 and 178 together.

The proceeds from the sale of this property will be used to offset the costs of the major capital investment programme which I am making in the prison system.

Part of the property — about 21 acres — was, following discussions with Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council, sold to that body. The sale was concluded in 2005. I should add also that Prison Service Officials were at the time informed by the Council that it had no interest in the remaining lands, including the buildings, which are now for sale by tender.

Officials of the Prison Service recently facilitated a request from the Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Manager and his officials to view the property. No detailed discussions on possible future uses of the lands took place nor was the matter raised by the County Manager or his officials.