Ahern Announces New Prison Places

The Justice Minister Dermot Ahern has announced 550 new prison spaces in Castlerea as concerns of overcrowding rise.

Mr Ahern said the Irish prison system would be comparable to best international practice when the prison development programme was completed.

On the overhaul list are increased accommodation and services for prisoner rehabilitation and reintegration.

Speaking in Castlerea, Co Roscommon, where he opened an accommodation block for 100 prisoners, Mr Ahern said: "This will put the Irish prison service in good stead for the 21st century."

He added that current developments would provide a potential 450 further prison spaces before the end of the year.

New blocks in Portlaoise and Wheatfield, each accommodating 200 prisoners, would be opened, while the separation unit in Mountjoy would provide an additional 50 spaces.

All the new units would have in-cell sanitation, said Mr Ahern.

However, General Secretary of the Prison Officers' Association, Gabriel Keaveney, said it was an established fact that there was a shortage of spaces throughout the State.

"The consequence of that is serious overcrowding," he said.

(DW/BMcC)