Prison Service

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 October 2021

Tuesday, 12 October 2021

Ceisteanna (448)

Seán Sherlock

Ceist:

448. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Justice the plans for the old Cork City Jail on Rathmore Road, Cork. [49537/21]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Justice

The old prison at Rathmore Road, Cork was closed in February 2016 following the construction of new prison facilities on a site opposite the old prison as part of the Irish Prison Service modernisation programme and capital plan for the prison estate.

While the Irish Prison Service has no current strategic plan for the future use of the old prison, preliminary exploratory discussions have taken place with the Land Development Agency regarding options for the future use/development of the site.

I understand that options on the future use of the existing facility may be very limited due to the age and condition of the buildings, which date back to the 19th century and taking into consideration the requirement to comply with current building standards and health and safety requirements.