Lenihan denies part in 'nobbling' welfare office

The Minister of State at the Department of Justice, Mr Brian Lenihan TD, has said he did not use his ministerial position to "nobble" plans for a €3 million probation and welfare office for Blanchardstown village in his Dublin West constituency after many of his constituents opposed the plan.

Mr Lenihan has sent a letter to his constituents in which he appears to claim credit for the fact that the office will not now go ahead at its proposed location.

The Labour Party has called on the Minster for Justice, Mr McDowell, to disclose the reasons why plans for the Blanchardstown office have been abandoned. The party's spokesman on justice, Mr Joe Costello TD, described the development as "an extraordinary state of affairs".

The full text of Mr Lenihan's letter reads: "As I am sure you are aware, the probation service acquired the former AIB building on Main Street (Blanchardstown) for use as a probation centre. Planning permission for this development was granted. Early last year I met a large number of local residents who were concerned about the proposed development. As Minister for State at the Department of Justice I requested the Department review the location.

"I am happy to advise that the Department has decided not to proceed with the development of a probation centre at this location and to dispose of the property."

Mr Lenihan told The Irish Times he had not "nobbled" plans for the office. "It wasn't a decision requested or dictated by me," he said.

While a "large number" of his constituents had voiced their concerns to him, the decision to abandon the Blanchardstown village site had been made at Departmental level and following a review within the Department. The process was not dictated by himself or Mr McDowell.

There had been "a cost issue" with the Blanchardstown site because it was believed a greenfield site would offer better value for money.