Prisoner numbers on course to reach 'unimaginable' level - The Irish Examiner
6th January 2026
This article highlights a deepening overcrowding crisis in Irish prisons, with numbers approaching 6,000—well above official capacity. It quotes the Irish Penal Reform Trust warning that the Irish Prison Service is “fighting a losing battle” and that the system is “at breaking point”, while calling for a cross-government response and greater investment in community-based alternatives to custody.
Read the full article here.
Related items:
- Government Action Urged On Prison Conditions - Midlands 103 FM
- News at One coverage of Prison inspection reports - RTE Radio One
- Cork Prison is the second most overcrowded prison in Ireland - Red FM
- Press Release: IPRT responds to new Inspection Reports from the Office of the Inspector of Prisons highlighting serious failings
- Electronic tags for released prisoners to be trialled - Live 95 (Limerick)
