Ministers may face court action over jail

Caroline O’Doherty and Michael Brennan

Solicitors acting on behalf of a resident living close to the 150-acre site at Thorntown/Kilsallaghan yesterday issued letters to Michael McDowell and Brian Cowen seeking an undertaking within two days that no further steps would be taken to proceed with the development and threatening legal proceedings in default. A spokesman for the Department of Justice confirmed last night that it had received the letter and said officials were examining its contents before issuing a formal response to it.

Mr McDowell vowed earlier in the day the site would not be changed despite growing opposition from neighbouring landowners and householders.