Seamus Kirk
Question:31 Mr. Kirk asked the Minister for Justice the prisons which are scheduled for renovation and reconstruction work in 1997; and the nature and value of these works. [5441/97]
Written Answers. - Prisons Building Programme.
The ongoing capital programme for the refurbishment and upgrading of facilities in the existing prisons is being continued in 1997. Works under this programme are planned for all of the existing prison institutions. A broad range of works are included under the programme ranging from major refurbishment of buildings through upgrading of offender, staff and administration facilities to security works and projects to comply with requirements under the health, safety and welfare at work legislation. A sum of £11.0 million has been earmarked for these works in 1997.
The following are among the main projects to be commenced and — or completed under the programme in 1997: install in-cell sanitation at Arbour Hill Prison at a cost of £1 million; refurbish staff mess and quarters at Fort Mitchel Prison at a cost of £0.95 million; refurbish and upgrade prisoner reception and processing facilities at Cork Prison at a cost of £1 million; replace ‘D' Block at Limerick Prison at a cost of £3 million; upgrade offender sanitation facilities on cell blocks at Limerick Prison at an estimated cost of £0.5 million; replace trades workshops, communications control centre and general stores facilities and provide additional office accommodation at Mountjoy Prison at an estimated cost of £1.75 million; refurbish and upgrade overall building and install fire safety systems at separation unit, Mountjoy Prison at an estimated cost of £1.5 million; adapt a cell block unit at Wheatfield place of detention for accommodation of disruptive and dangerous prisoners — the cost has not yet been determined; install security systems, including CCTV, at a number of institutions; execute major health and safety works, including installation of fire detection and smoke extraction systems at a number of institutions,
A number of further projects are at present under consideration for inclusion in the overall programme.