Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 8 May 2024
392. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice her plans and that of the Irish Prison Service for a site in north Dublin (details supplied); and if she has engaged with the OPW and-or any other State body and-or Government Department in respect of its use. [20805/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, the Government has made significant capital funding available to the Irish Prison Service in order to enhance the existing prison infrastructure and to provide additional capacity.
In recent years, works have been completed to modernise the Mountjoy complex, a new prison was constructed in Cork and additional prisoner accommodation was provided in the Midlands Prison.
Furthermore, capacity across the prison estate has been increased by in excess of 200 new spaces in recent years through the reopening of the Training Unit in Mountjoy, the opening of new male accommodation in Limerick and the new standalone female prison in Limerick.
Plans have been outlined for 4 capital projects at Castlerea, Cloverhill, the Midlands and Mountjoy prisons to accommodate up to 670 people.
I recently secured additional capital funding of €49.5m to commence the delivery of these very significant capital commitments to allow the Irish Prison Service to address current capacity issues within our prison system and ensure it is fit-for-purpose for a growing population in the years to come.
Preparatory work will commence this year on these 4 key projects as part of an accelerated capital construction programme.
The additional capital funding will also be used to advance short term projects currently being pursued by the Prison Service that are expected to deliver over 150 spaces this year.
I can assure the Deputy that I am also committed to looking at all potential options to meet current and future needs.
I am establishing a new review group to make recommendations on other future developments, including at Thornton Hall.
In developing future solutions, the Review Group will review the previous plans to develop a prison at Thornton Hall and consider the part that this available site can play in meeting the future accommodation requirements of the prison system. It will also have regard to international best practice in effective sanctions and rehabilitative practice and effective alternatives to imprisonment.
In addition, while retaining a portion of the site for any future prison needs, the Department of Justice has made the Thornton Hall site at North County Dublin available to other agencies.
