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Prison Building Programme

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 July 2020

Tuesday, 14 July 2020

Ceisteanna (963)

Martin Kenny

Ceist:

963. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the status of the redevelopment of the Mountjoy Prison campus; the estimated cost of delivery; when it will be completed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15986/20]

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Freagraí scríofa

Provision of safe and secure custody and dignity of care to persons in the penal system in Ireland is a priority for me as Minister and for the Irish Prison Service.

I am advised by the Irish Prison Service that a major programme of work was undertaken at Mountjoy Prison over a 5-year period and completed in 2016, with the primary objective of installing in-cell sanitation, and ending the practice of “slopping out”. I understand that in addition to this urgent work, the opportunity was taken to upgrade the fabric and conditions of the cell accommodation and provide new facilities including for computer training, construction studies, industrial cleaning, fabric workshops and carpentry/joinery workshops and additional indoor recreation facilities.

I am further informed that the closure of the former St. Patrick’s Institution, located on the Mountjoy Prison campus, enabled the redesignation of that facility as part of Mountjoy Prison providing single cell occupancy and use as a progression unit for the rehabilitation of prisoners.

In addition, I understand that a major capital project was undertaken at the Dóchas Centre, completed in December 2018, which involved the refurbishment of 28 bedrooms, associated circulation spaces and shared social rooms.

I further understand that the Training Unit located on the Mountjoy prison campus was temporarily closed in 2017, to facilitate its repurposing as a facility for older prisoners in recognition of their unique health, welfare and occupational needs. The work was substantially completed in December 2019 but I understand that in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic, a decision was taken to defer the reopening of the Unit and instead to keep it in reserve should it be required in response to the pandemic. I am informed by the Irish Prison Service that the reopening of the Training Unit is being kept under constant review in light of contingency planning requirements related to the pandemic.

Other than those works which have already been completed and as the Deputy will appreciate, the National Development Plan under Project Ireland 2040 references the future redevelopment of the Mountjoy Prison campus, to be undertaken on a phased basis over the period 2021 to 2031.

I am informed that a masterplan for the redevelopment of the Mountjoy complex was formulated over the period 2014-2016 and that a preliminary costing exercise undertaken in 2016 estimated the cost of the project at approximately €63 million. A further review of the project in 2018 estimated the cost in excess of €70 million to include professional fees, together with the full range of technical, environmental, geotechnical, conservation reports etc commensurate with a project of this scale and cognisant of the historical nature of Mountjoy Prison.

All options regarding the future redevelopment of Mountjoy Prison are being kept under review, having regard to budgetary and operational requirements as well as the extensive work undertaken at the Mountjoy Prison campus as I have outlined it above.

The Deputy will also appreciate that the Programme for Government includes a commitment to take a comprehensive approach to the development of the next Capital Strategy for the Irish Prison Service, to ensure the availability of modern detention facilities with adequate capacity.

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