Parliamentary Question: Spike Island and Cork Prison closures

29th September 2004

1094. Mr. Coveney asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his proposals to rebuild the prison on Spike Island and close Cork prison; and his views on comments on his proposals to relocate the inmates and prison personnel on Spike Island. [21951/04]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell): Officials from the Irish Prison Service have held a series of meetings with the Office of Public Works and professional advisers on the possible construction of a new prison complex on Spike Island to replace the existing Cork and Fort Mitchel prisons and to build a new bridge to connect the island to the mainland. My officials are continuing work on this project in conjunction with the Office of Public Works.

The aim of such facilities would be to address the overcrowding difficulties that arise from time to time and they would in addition offer significant improvements in the areas of work training, education and medical services as well as providing predominantly single cell accommodation with proper in-cell sanitation facilities.