Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 23 May 2013
159. Deputy Anne Ferris asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding the development of Cloverhill/Loughan House, Dublin; the expected date for completion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24898/13]
View answerThe Irish Prison Service advises me that no significant development works are either underway or planned at either Cloverhill Prison or Loughan House Open Centre during 2013.
However a range of smaller projects being undertaken at Loughan House this year comprises a bundle of small works that was put together in order to achieve economies of scale. Essentially the projects involve the relocation of the medical surgery from an upper floor to the ground floor area, refurbishment of two shower rooms, roof repairs, replacement of some floor coverings and replacement of a number of doors that were damaged beyond repair. The works commenced on April 15th and are scheduled to be completed in July next.
A similar range of smaller projects at Cloverhill have been completed. Most of these projects were in response to recommendations by the Irish Prison Service Transformation Team as part of the Joint Task Review reports with a view to achieving staffing efficiencies. I am further informed by the Irish Prison Service that there are plans afoot to undertake a further project later this year involving the building of observation hubs in the exercise yards. which will achieve considerable staffing efficiencies.
