Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 17 February 2022
247. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Justice if she will consider meeting with the Irish Prison Service and an organisation (details supplied) to explore possible uses for the Old Cork Prison that would encourage entrepreneurship and increase employment in the area. [7012/22]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, the former Cork prison was built in the early 1800s and served as a military detention barracks until it was transferred to the ownership of my Department in 1972.
However, due to the age, fabric and condition of the building including lack of in-cell sanitation, a decision was taken in 2014 to close it and construct a new modern prison on a site opposite the former prison.
The condition of the former prison including building fabric, condition, age and lack of services and the requirement to comply with health, safety and building regulations will have to be taken into consideration by any entity wishing to repurpose the building.
I am advised by the Director General of the Irish Prison Service that it has no strategic use for the former prison and remains open to receive submissions on how the building or site might be used to maximise its potential.
In this regard, the Director General has advised that she will arrange for representatives of the Estates Directorate to contact the Deputy with a view to arranging a meeting with representatives from the group in question.
