Tuesday 17 April 2007

Local resident in legal action to halt works on new prison

A HOUSEHOLDER who lives near the proposed new prison in north Co Dublin is to apply to the High Court tomorrow to stop all works at the site.

Michael Kavanagh's counsel yesterday told the High Court the Government proposed to build a new prison literally on the doorstep of the Mr Kavanagh's family home.

Mr Kavanagh is to seek an order restraining the Government from taking any further steps to construct the development at Thornton Hall, Kilsallaghan, Dublin, including a decision to accept a tender for its construction.

The Government paid almost €30m for the site in 2005.

Mr Kavanagh wants the injuction pending the outcome of his legal challenge.

The move comes after reports last week that a consortium led by Bernard McNamara, one of Ireland's most successful developers, had been chosen to design and construct the new prison complex in a public-private partnership with the State.

In his proceedings Mr Kavanagh is seeking a declaration that the decision to develop the new prison complex and the relocation of the Central Mental Hospital to the site was taken without carrying out an environmental assessment, including an assessment of any altetrnatives in accordance with EU Directives.

Mr Kavanagh is also seeking a declaration that a secondary treatment of waste water is required under EU Directives in relation to the urban waste treatment from the prison where there will be up to 2000 people including staff and inmates.

Mr Kavanagh's lawyers said the matter was urgent as there was building equipment already on the land.

Ms Justice Mary Laffoy adjourned the matter to Wednesday and said the Chief State Solicitor was to be informed.

Irish Independent

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