Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 October 2007
443 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when, in view of the new beds acquired in Shelton Abbey Prison, the prisoners for these beds are to be expected; the number of prisoners expected for Shelton Abbey Prison when all prisoners are in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22368/07]
View answerThe current capacity of Shelton Abbey is for 54 prisoners. However, the accommodation is dormitory accommodation which caters for 4 to 6 males in each room. Clearly this type of accommodation is not ideal in 2007. A new unit has recently been completed which has 44 single spaces. The additional accommodation being provided will facilitate the refurbishment and modernisation of the existing accommodation.
It is anticipated that Shelton Abbey will have capacity for 90 prisoners in the near future, with 46 prisoners being accommodated in the refurbished block and 44 prisoners in the new accommodation.
