Minister: Community work may be used in lieu of jail as Cork Prison struggles with overcrowding

Last Tuesday saw 421 people in custody in Cork Prison, while 417 were held there on Monday, both figures considerably above the previous record of 410 set at the start of this year.
Minister: Community work may be used in lieu of jail as Cork Prison struggles with overcrowding

Minister O’Callaghan with Garda Commissioner Kelly made his comments in Macroom last week when he announced the commencement of works for a new divisional HQ for Cork gardaí.

With overcrowding in Cork Prison reaching another record high last week, justice minister Jim O’Callaghan has said he is looking at not just speeding up prison construction, but also the increased use of community-based penalties, instead of jail time.

Last Tuesday saw 421 people in custody in Cork Prison, while 417 were held there on Monday, both figures considerably above the previous record of 410 set at the start of this year.

The prison has capacity for 304 people, up slightly from its previous 296-bed capacity at the start of this year, but despite the extra eight beds, 117 people incarcerated there on Tuesday did not have a regular bed.

Asked on Friday about overcrowding at Cork Prison, Mr O’Callaghan said he was “very aware of the difficulties within the prison estate”.

He added that last year he had received approval for an expedited prison construction programme. “I’m not just looking, however, at extending prison spaces,” he said.

“I’m also bringing forward legislation in the miscellaneous provisions bill that will allow for greater use of community sanctions, and that’s something I would like to see the courts availing of more.”

Such sanctions include community service and probation, rather than jail time.

Read More

Cork Prison overcrowding at new record high this week

more #Cork - News articles

Diary of an autistic man in Cork Prison: 'I cried when you visited me' Diary of an autistic man in Cork Prison: 'I cried when you visited me'
No job losses or closures at our Cork hotels, says Blue Haven Group owner No job losses or closures at our Cork hotels, says Blue Haven Group owner
We need better roads, housing and transport options for our staff, says Cork Apple boss We need better roads, housing and transport options for our staff, says Cork Apple boss

More in this section

No job losses or closures at our Cork hotels, says Blue Haven Group owner No job losses or closures at our Cork hotels, says Blue Haven Group owner
We need better roads, housing and transport options for our staff, says Cork Apple boss We need better roads, housing and transport options for our staff, says Cork Apple boss
Public representatives voice concern for Manna delivery pilot in Cork Public representatives voice concern for Manna delivery pilot in Cork

Sponsored Content

Heads are turning for pharmacy investment property in the heart of buzzing Charleville Heads are turning for pharmacy investment property in the heart of buzzing Charleville
Charity places available for Cork City Marathon Charity places available for Cork City Marathon
Turning risk into reward: Top business risks in 2026 Turning risk into reward: Top business risks in 2026
Contact Us Cookie Policy Privacy Policy Terms and Conditions

© Examiner Echo Group Limited

Add Echolive.ie to your home screen - easy access to Cork news, views, sport and more