Pat Carey (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 187: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if, arising from correspondence regarding the unsatisfactory state of upkeep of lands on which a centre (details supplied) in Dublin 11 is located, he will arrange to have the lands involved cleaned up; if these lands could be used by another Government Department or by the local authority for affordable housing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9510/07]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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As the Deputy may be aware, on 1 March 2007, responsibility for the centre, which is one of four children detention schools, was transferred to the Irish Youth Justice Service in my Department from the Department of Education and Science. There are no plans to dispose or change the use of the land associated with the centre at this time.

I understand that the area of land referred to in the correspondence supplied by the Deputy is being accessed through a damaged boundary wall of an adjacent housing estate. As it is not owned by the centre, the upkeep of the boundary wall, which has been damaged and repaired previously, is the responsibility of a company associated with the housing estate.

Every effort is being made by the centre to ensure that illegally dumped material is cleared from its lands. The centre has been in contact with the local authority seeking assistance and has informed it regarding the steps the centre has undertaken in this regard. The centre has been monitoring the area and has on more than one occasion cleaned up material which was deposited on its lands by persons unknown. The Director and management of the centre has indicated to the Irish Youth Justice Service that they will continue to monitor the situation and would welcome the opportunity to discuss the matter with the residents committee.