Dublin Detention Centre Construction Begins

The construction of a new child detention centre in Lusk, County Dublin, has begun today.

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs Frances Fitzgerald was present to launch the Oberstown project this morning.

She said: "I am delighted to announce that a contract has been awarded for the construction of these facilities and development of the Oberstown campus. Since my appointment as Minister, I have prioritised the resourcing of this project. The objective of ending the detention of children in adult prison facilities has been recognised by successive administrations since at least the 1980s. There have been numerous attempts over the years to progress this project but this Government has, at a time of major constraint for the public finances, committed the resources needed to resolve this issue once and for all."

The contract was awarded to BAM Building Ltd. and is valued at €56.4m.

It is thought that the first three new residential units will be ready in third quarter of 2014.

These will be used to facilitate the transfer of responsibility for 17-year-old boys from adult prison facilities.

The remaining three residential units, to be delivered in 2015, will be used to replace existing accommodation on the existing Oberstown campus.

Minister Fitzgerald said: "This is the culmination of a long process to design, fund and procure this project which, by increasing capacity on the Oberstown campus, will deliver on the Government’s commitment to end the use of St. Patrick’s Institution for children detained by the courts. Following on from my decision as an interim measure to assign responsibility for 16 year old boys to the Oberstown campus during 2012, this project will ensure the extension of the child care model of detention to all children under the age of 18 years."

Minister for State for Public Sector Reform and the Office of Public Works, Brian Hayes also attended the launch.

He said: "I very much welcome the approval of funds for this project and I very much share the view of Minister Fitzgerald on the need to end the detention of children in adult prison facilities. I am delighted to note the key role played in the design, planning and delivery of the project to date by the OPW, which is committed to ensuring that this project is delivered on time and on budget at the earliest possible date. The OPW will continue to work with the Department of Children and Youth Affairs in ensuring the successful and safe delivery of the project to the highest design standards."

(IT/CD)