Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 November 2022
546. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Justice the long-term plan for the old Cork prison, in view of the fact that it has been vacant for a number of years; her plans to redevelop the prison; if there have been any discussions with Cork City Council or with any other bodies which may find it suitable for development; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [57445/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs 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. The building 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.
The condition of the former prison including building fabric, condition, age and lack of services and the requirement to comply with health and safety, and building regulations will have to be taken into consideration in any plans to repurpose the former prison.
I am advised by the Director General of the Irish Prison Service that it has no short term use for the former prison and remains open to receive submissions on how the building or site might be used.
Preliminary discussions have taken place with a number of bodies as to the future use of the site, however, these discussions have been exploratory in nature and there have been no firm proposals to date.
