Centre’s capacity reduced

A CHILDREN’S detention centre in Dublin is to be downsized by more than half, following a review by the Department of Education which deemed its capacity to care for troubled young people was “lost”.

Finglas Child and Adolescent Centre in Dublin will cut capacity from three units to two, reducing the number of troubled youths it can look after from 26 to 12.

The centre came under the spotlight in February when serious concerns were expressed about “problems and recurring difficulties” which were impinging on the level of care being provided. The department responded by commissioning Michael Donnellan, director of Trinity House School, to carry out a review.