Anger as Justice Minister says consultants have been appointed to oversee Cork jail's demolition

The knocking down of Cork's historic old prison is progressing, despite no planning having been granted, as the justice minister has confirmed that consultants to hire demolition contractors have been appointed.

Cork history and heritage consultant Michelle O’Mahony is backing the campaign to save the building. “It should not be demolished. It is over 200 years old and its history is tied up with our journey from empire to nation – it is of national significance,” she said.

She was responding to recent comments from Minister Jim O’Callaghan, who said in the Dáil that consultancy services, in connection with the demolition work, had now been appointed. “I want to insure that we do preserve our heritage… but I also have to look to the future,” he added.

Cork history podcaster Eolan Ryng, who has been highlighting the old prison’s significance through a heritage week event at the site and a podcast series, said: “I am glad that Jim O’Callaghan recognised the history of the site. I don’t understand how the history can be preserved with demolition.

“We, as a campaign, would welcome the opportunity to meet with the Minister and lay out the history of the building,” 

he said, adding that many members of the minister's own party spent time there.

There has been a major push to save the facility, which in the past had detained numerous Irish freedom fighters including both of Cork's martyred lord mayors, Tomás MacCurtain and Terence MacSwiney.

Last week, city councillors agreed unanimously to add the building to the council’s protected structures register, a process the council’s chief executive said would take up to six months.

Prior to this vote, the Irish Prison Service had said a decision was due before the end of the year on plans through the 'part 9' special planning process, the rules of which are less stringent than a private planning application.

In the Dáil, Mr O’Callaghan said: “While it’s still at an early planning stage, planning for the Cork prison project is continuing.

“I understand consultancy services with respect to demolition people have been appointed, there is preparation ongoing.

“The prison service is awaiting tender outcomes to inform a final decision.” 

The demolition will facilitate the construction of a new 330-bed jail on the site, which he said was needed due to ongoing prison overcrowding.

Mr O’Callaghan said that he was aware of Cork City Council’s plan to designate it a protected structure, adding “that’s obviously an issue that will have to be given consideration as well”.

He added that it was “not incompatible for the history of Cork Prison to be conserved, while at the same time ensuring that we have an extension of the prison.” 

Cork Sinn Féin TD Thomas Gould said: “It is not possible to demolish this building while respecting its heritage. The people of Cork do not want to see a wrecking ball taken to the cell where Thomas Kent spent his final night.”