Irish Prison Service Eyes Vacant Curragh Military Prison As Possible Solution To Overcrowded Jails

Tuesday, 28 May 2024 14:36

By Martin Osborne

Kfm has contacted the Department of Justice for comment.

The Irish Prison Service (IPS) is in talks with the Defence Forces to reopen a vacant military prison in The Curragh to alleviate overcrowding in Irish jails.

According to thejournal.ie, due to severe overcrowding, IPS is seeking solutions.

The Curragh Prison, previously the Military Detention Unit from 1869, was taken over by the IPS in the late 1990s.

A spokesperson for the Department of Justice said: "The Department has had initial engagements with the Department of Defence, which owns the prison in the Curragh, regarding a possible recommissioning of the prison as a place of detention. The outcome of a technical assessment of the prison is awaited. The prison in the Curragh was previously used by IPS for a number of years up to 2003."

More from Local News

Uisce Eireann Says No New Connection Works at Ryevale House, Leixlip

The organisation confirmed the news today in response to Soc.Dems Kildare T.D. Aidan Farrelly
Local Authority Tenants Must Get Permission Before Installing Video Doorbells, Says Kildare Council

The council says it will allow video doorbells, including Ring-style devices, only if prior approval is given, cameras are limited to the tenant’s own property, and do not record public roads or neighbouring homes.
Nearly €400,000 Owed On Derelict Buildings In Kildare-Newbridge District Alone

Some of the buildings already taken over by the council include the Old Band Hall on Cutlery Road in Newbridge, the former Bargain Store in Kildare Town, and the former Garda station on Leinster Street in Rathangan.
After Fertility Loss, Care Barriers Remain For Women With Endometriosis, Says Local Woman

Audio

Speaking on Kildare Today, Ms Whelan said she learned last July that the condition had left her unable to have children.
Over €200,000 Awarded To The Conservation Of Three Historic Buildings In Kildare

The funding supports the repair, restoration and protection of historic structures from traditional homes to landmark public buildings
€8.5m Wastewater Upgrade To Enable 900 New Homes In Celbridge, With Traffic Disruption Until May

The works involve the installation of over two kilometres of new wastewater pipeline between the Castletown Wastewater Pumping Station and Crodaun, passing through Castletown Estate, Castletown Drive and the R405 Maynooth Road.
Four New Bus Shelters Approved For Athgarvan And Maddenstown, Pending NTA Delivery

In response to a question from Social Democrats Cllr Pat Balfe, the council confirmed works are also underway on Local Link routes 821 and 880, including upgrades at six bus stops.
Two Men Arrested In Garda Operation Targeting Burglaries

The investigation looked into more than 40 incidents, including thefts, deception and unauthorised takings of vehicles, in Dublin and across the country last year.