TD calls for limit on number of inmates at Cork Prison following five deaths in 2025

A Cork TD has expressed concern at an increase in prison deaths in Cork, calling for an upper limit for the amount of people in custody there to be imposed.

Last week, The Echo revealed that there were five deaths linked to Cork prison last year, more than double the previous year, with the inspector of prisons saying overcrowding has played a role in the increase.

The annual report of the Office of the Inspector of Prisons (OIP) also highlighted low morale among prison staff and insufficient access to a GP in Cork Prison.

Fianna Fáil TD Pádraig O’Sullivan raised the issues in the Dáil this week, saying to Taoiseach Micheál Martin: “The number of deaths in Cork Prison has doubled since last year. The Inspector of Prisons has said overcrowding has played a significant part in this.

“His annual report published a few weeks ago highlighted the low morale among officers and the insufficient access to a GP in Cork Prison among other issues.

“As the Taoiseach is aware, Cork Prison is frequently overcrowded. Last August, there were a total of 403 prisoners onsite. He knows as well as I do that this facility was only built for 296 prisoners.

“The latest count shows there are still 372 prisoners onsite. One of the recommendations from the report was to ask the Minister to introduce an upper limit on the number of prisoners that could be held on site.” He asked: “Can we look into the imposition of an upper limit? We have been talking for quite a while about the need to build an extension to Cork Prison. 

"Will the Taoiseach provide an update on that project?” 

Mr Martin said: “Deputy O’Sullivan referred to Cork Prison. It is overcrowded. The inspector said that.

“The Minister for justice has received sanction from the Cabinet to build an extension. It has had a mixed reception, but there is no doubt that the current numbers at the prison are not tenable. It is an issue of safety.

“I will talk to the Minister about the timelines, but there is certainly a huge issue not just with Cork Prison but across the prison system. That reflects the increase in numbers coming through our courts charged with serious offences.

“The Minister is looking at all avenues of how to deal with the overcrowding issue. He has already received sanction in terms of capital investment for extensions, particularly that at Cork Prison.”