Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
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Question 1174: To ask the Minister for Justice and Law Reform if plans to build a new prison at Kilworth, County Cork are to go ahead; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33764/10]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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The Development of a new prison facility at Kilworth Co. Cork to serve the Munster region is a key element of the prisons modernisation programme. It is accepted that conditions at Cork prison are less than ideal and the new facilities at Kilworth will, when complete, allow for the decommissioning of the accommodation at Cork Prison and its replacement with new modern prison facilities. It is anticipated that the capacity of the new prison will be in the region of 450.

The development at Kilworth will also include accommodation and facilities for female prisoners.

A suitable site has been identified at Kilworth following consultation with the Defence Forces and preliminary discussions have been held with Cork County Council in relation to the provision of the necessary access road and ancillary services to the site. It is intended to commence preliminary planning and design work on the project next year and to deliver the project on a phased basis with the first phase expected to come on stream by 2014.

I should also add that the Irish Prison Service of my Department is currently in discussions with the Department of Defence regarding the legal transfer of the lands to the Department of Justice and Law Reform. It is also anticipated that further meetings will be arranged with the local residents in the coming months to appraise them of the current status of the project.