Jennifer Carroll MacNeill
Question:545. Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill asked the Minister for Justice her plans to develop all prisons; the timing of such a development; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48226/22]
View answerTuesday, 4 October 2022
Questions (545, 546)
Jennifer Carroll MacNeill
Question:546. Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill asked the Minister for Justice her plans to expand remand capacity at Cloverhill Prison; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48227/22]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 545 and 546 together.
As the Deputy will be aware the Irish Prison Service has set out ambitious plans to modernise the prison estate in successive Strategic Plans. The Government has provided significant capital funding to the Irish Prison Service in order to enhance the existing prison infrastructure, eliminate the practice known as slopping out and to provide additional capacity where required.
The Deputy will be aware of the works completed in recent years to modernise the entire Mountjoy Prison complex, the construction of a new prison in Cork and the provision of additional prisoner accommodation in the Midlands Prison. In addition, the Training Unit Place of Detention which is newly refurbished has now reopened as a centre for older prisoners.
Additional works on prison infrastructure such as enhancements to kitchen and laundry facilities, upgrades to fire and safety systems, improvements to CCTV and security systems, prison window replacement and enhancement to ICT infrastructure have also been completed across the prison estate during the lifetime of recent Strategic Plans.
A major capital development project at Limerick Prison is due for completion by the end of 2022. This will provide greatly enhanced accommodation for both male and female prisoners and will include the provision of other ancillary services for prisoners including workshops, new laundry and prison kitchen. Staff facilities will also be catered for in the provision of a staff canteen, locker rooms and administration support offices.
The Irish Prison Service has now commenced work on the development of a new Strategic Plan for 2023 – 2025 which will include specific strategic objectives on further enhancing the prison estate.
The commitments included in the new Strategic Plan will be in line with funding allocated to the Irish Prison Service in the current National Development Plan.
In relation to prison developments the National Development Plan includes:
- Investment for the improvement of facilities in Shelton Abbey, Loughan House Open Centre, the Dóchas Centre, and Wheatfield Place of Detention;
- Priority projects at Castlerea and Portlaoise Prisons in respect of the necessary construction of new kitchens; and
- Other investment to be progressed over the years 2022 to 2025 include, ICT infrastructure and systems, fleet modernisation, video-linking infrastructure, safety, security and carbon reduction refurbishment works and general upgrading of equipment and facilities.
All such developments are subject to cost benefit analysis and are progressed in line with the Public Spending Code obligations.
As the Deputy will be aware significant growth has been experienced in the remand prison population in recent years which has resulted in significant pressure on remand prison facilities including Cloverhill Prison. The Irish Prison Service is currently undertaking a strategic assessment exercise on the potential for additional accommodation at Cloverhill Prison in line with the requirements of the Public Spending Code.
Question No. 546 answered with Question No. 545.