Thomas Gould (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
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203. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the costs for security, electricity and maintenance of the old Cork prison building from 2016 to date in tabular form. [4662/21]

Thomas Gould (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
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204. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality her future plans to develop the site of the old Cork Prison in view of the need for community amenities in the area. [4663/21]

Thomas Gould (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
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205. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the engagement and contribution the Irish Prison Service has with those in the vicinity of the old and new Cork prisons. [4664/21]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 203, 204 and 205 together.

I am advised by the Irish Prison Service that the old prison at Rathmore Road, Cork was closed in February 2016 following the construction of new prison facilities on a site opposite the old prison as part of the Irish Prison Service modernisation programme and capital plan for the prison estate.

Since the opening of the new prison, there have been no material costs for security, electricity and maintenance in relation to the old prison as the site has been mothballed.

The Irish Prison Service has no current strategic plan for the future use of the old prison. While preliminary discussions have taken place with the Land Development Agency for the future use of the site, these discussions are exploratory in nature at this stage.

It should be noted that options on the future use of the facility are very limited due to the age and condition of the buildings which date back to the 19th century and taking into consideration the requirement to comply with current building standards and health and safety requirements.

With regard to community engagement, there was extensive engagement with the local community during the planning and construction of the new prison. The Governor of the Prison has also regular engagement with the local community and An Garda Síochána on an ongoing basis in relation to matters of mutual concern.