Michael McDowell firm over new prison site

The Minister for Justice, Michael McDowell has said he has no plans to change his mind on the purchase of Thornton Hall on the Meath-Dublin border for a new prison.

The Government purchased 150 acres of land at a cost of €200,000 an acre. A farm four miles away sold at €26,000 an acre.

Michael McDowell has said the Thornton Hall site is still good value for money.

“A survey carried out on behalf of the OPW in 2001 estimated the cost of refurbishing the 20-acre Mountjoy site at €336m. At today’s prices it would cost in the region of €418m.”

“In relations to the purchase price of the Thornton Hall site I have received no advice from the OPW or the agency which obtained it to advise in the matter that the price paid was in any way exorbitant.”