Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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Question 171: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his Department's position in respect of the proposed prison at Thornton Hall on the installation of sewerage, water and electricity to the site; his view on whether the development of these services comes under Part 11 of the Planning and Development Act 2001; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36120/06]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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Question 172: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the fact that in respect of the proposed prison at Thornton Hall the sewage and water pipes and electrical facilities will run through and potentially service, significant areas of land that are currently zoned for agricultural use; if this will potentially enhance land values along the route; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36121/06]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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Question 173: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the discussions his Department has had with Fingal County Council in the context of the Fingal development plan in respect of the proposed prison at Thornton Hall; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36122/06]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 171 to 173, inclusive, together.

The provision of services to the Thornton Hall site to service the prison development has been the subject of detailed discussions between the relevant officials at Fingal County Council and the Prison Service and its technical advisors. Discussions have also been held with the various utilities including the Electricity Supply Board. Arising from these discussions, agreement in principle has been reached with the Council for the servicing of the water and sewerage requirements along existing public roadways i.e. the N2 and the R130. It has, in addition, been agreed with the Electricity Supply Board that the required electricity supply will be sourced from existing lines adjacent to the site. It is not the case, therefore, that these services will be run through significant areas of land that are zoned agricultural. The security aspects of allowing other parties access to services for the prison in the immediate proximity of the site is still under consideration.

In relation to the Deputy's reference to Part 11 of the Planning and Development Act 2001, I can only assume that this should be a reference to the Act of the same name of 2000. I am advised that the provision of the services referred to the Thornton site does not fall within the remit of this section of the Act.