Feasibility report on future use of former Cork Prison due soon

A FEASIBILITY report on potential future uses of the former Cork Prison facility is due to be completed in September, the Justice Minister has confirmed.

Earlier this year, in response to a parliamentary question (PQ) submitted by Fianna Fáil TD Pádraig O’Sullivan, Justice Minister Helen McEntee said given the “current trend in prisoner numbers and the pressure on the prison capacity across the estate, the site of the former Cork prison remains of significant strategic interest to the Irish Prison Service”.

“In late 2023, engineering consultants were engaged by the Irish Prison Service to carry out a detailed assessment of the old Cork Prison facility and to provide a feasibility report on the site with various options for its use.

“This report is expected to be completed later in 2024,” she added.

In a follow up PQ in recent days, Mr O’Sullivan sought an update on the report.

The Cork North Central TD also asked if the minister would “commit to ensuring that any works recommended progress expeditiously in light of capacity issues”.

Ms McEntee said the report is not yet completed, but is on track to be finalised this year.

“The Irish Prison Service is engaged in reviewing all its buildings at present to maximise accommodation and see if any might provide a feasible option to help with overcrowding. This includes a review of the old Cork Prison.

“The Irish Prison Service expects to receive the final report in September 2024,” she said.

“However, this is only one of a number of options being examined and, in fact, the Irish Prison Service have already identified a significant number of spaces that can be brought online relatively quickly, during 2024 and 2025.

“These are separate to the medium and longer term projects for which I have secured capital investment, and which have the potential to deliver additional accommodation for up to 860 people between 2026 and 2030.

“A high level working group is being established to look at future prison capacity requirements beyond what’s outlined, and I can assure the deputy that my department will look to progress the most appropriate and suitable options identified as a priority,” she added.

The old Cork Prison facility was built in the early 1800s and operated as a prison up to 2016 when it was deemed no longer suitable for use due to the condition of the facilities, the size of the cellular accommodation and the lack of in-cell sanitation.

It was closed in February 2016, following the construction and opening of the new prison.