'Human rights at risk' as Cork Prison sees 103 inmates without a bed

Conditions in Cork Prison might be in breach of human rights laws, an Irish Penal Reform Trust legal manager has said, as the prison nears 400 people in custody — yet another overcrowding record.

A total of 399 people were incarcerated in the facility yesterday, representing 135% capacity as the prison has space for just 296 inmates, meaning 103 people are without a regular bed. This is the 13th time an overcrowding record has been broken there since the start of June.

Niamh McCormack, the legal, policy, and public affairs manager at Irish Penal Reform Trust (IPRT) said: 

“IPRT is concerned that the conditions experienced by people in Irish prisons due to overcrowding may well amount to degrading and inhuman treatment, in breach of human rights laws and standards.”

Ms McCormack said there were now large numbers sleeping on mattresses on the floor. She told The Echo: “Since 2023 we have continued to break new prison overcrowding records, and Cork Prison is regularly the most overcrowded prison in the State. The sheer number of people in Irish prisons has led to three and sometimes even four people being held in cells designed for one person.

“Overcrowding affects every aspect of prisons. As well as creating confined and squalid conditions for prisoners, overcrowding has led to the closure of prison schools and workshops,” she explained.

“This significantly reduces opportunities for rehabilitation and for prisoners to spend time out of their cells. Prisoners being left in overcrowded cells for longer periods is contributing to increased tensions and violence, making prisons less safe for both prisoners and staff.”

Describing the current situation as “untenable”, she said it cannot be dealt with simply by creating new prison spaces, which would take years.

“As well as leading to ill-treatment, the overcrowding crisis undermines rehabilitative efforts that can reduce reoffending, which should be at the heart of our penal system,” she said. 

Research has repeatedly shown that community-based sanctions are far more effective at reducing reoffending than short-term prison sentences.

“IPRT is therefore calling on the Government to urgently expand the availability of community-based sanctions.”

A spokesperson for the Irish Prison Service said that it is “working closely with officials in the Department of Justice to take steps to ensure a safe working environment for staff, and the safety and security of people in custody”.