Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 13 June 2018
92. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of additional spaces to be provided by the upcoming development at Limerick Prison; the number of additional spaces for males provided from 2015 to 2017 and to date in 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25812/18]
View answerI can inform the Deputy that once construction is complete the new prison in Limerick will have a bed capacity of 285 for male prisoners and a bed capacity of 50 for females prisoners. This compares with the current bed capacity of 210 for male prisoners and 28 for female prisoners.
I can further inform the Deputy that in relation to the number of additional spaces for males provided from 2015 to 2017 and to date in 2018 the position is as follows. In the period 2015 to date no additional spaces have been provided in the prison estate with the exception of Cork prison. The new prison in Cork became operational in February 2016 and it has a bed capacity of 295. This compares with a bed capacity of 210 at the former Cork prison.
