New Cork prison will provide improved conditions for prisoner and help us to meet national and international obligations – Collins

Fine Gael Cork North West Deputy, Áine Collins, has today (Wednesday) said the development of a new prison for Cork will enhance the living conditions of prisoners and will help us to meet our national and international obligations to detainees, many of whom are currently residing in substandard conditions.

“The situation in Cork prison as it stands is that chronic over-crowding is taking place, and the practice of slopping out still exists. There is capacity at the prison for 146 prisoners but the prison typically accommodates 270 prisoners; a situation which is wholly unacceptable. The prison lacks basic in-cell sanitation, dating, as it does from the early 19th century and conditions have come in from strong criticism by the Inspector of Prisons and the Council of Europe Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CPT).

“Plans to build onto the site of the existing prison are in train and the development will have capacity for approximately 275 prisoners based on double cell occupancy, with occupancy peaking at 310 inmates in emergency circumstances. All cells will also have toilets and showers.

“In advance of development taking place, consent must be granted by way of legislation, and it is hoped that the resolution and the confirming Bill will be passed by both Houses of the Oireachtas before the summer recess so that tendering for the construction of the new prison can proceed.

“There is a pressing need to deal with the conditions currently being endured by prisoners at Cork Prison and, provided the plans do not meet any obstacles, it is expected that construction will commence in October 2013 and will be completed in early 2016.

“During the construction phase, a traffic management plan will be put in place to minimise disruption to local residents living close by the prison. The perimeter wall will also be the first thing that is constructed, in a bid to reduce noise and dust during the construction phase.

“The concerns of local residents can be dealt with by way of a Good Neighbour policy which will be drawn up by the Irish Prison Service and a local consultation group will be established to address any issues that arise during construction.

“If we are to ensure that our prisoners are rehabilitated and educated so that they can repay their debt and return to society, we have to start by housing inmates in appropriate conditions. A new prison for Cork is needed if we are to have any hope of achieving this.”
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