Thomas Gould (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
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134. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality for an update on the review into the old Cork Prison site. [43334/24]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will be aware the former Cork Prison facility closed in 2016 following the transfer of prisoners to a new facility built on a site adjacent to the former prison.

The prison was deemed no longer appropriate for use as prison accommodation due to the condition of the facilities, the size of the cellular accommodation and the lack of in-cell sanitation.

The facility 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 the old prison was decommissioned.

The facility, which has been unoccupied for almost 8 years, is in a poor physical state and unsuitable for use in its current form.

In late 2023, Engineering Consultants were engaged by the Estates Directorate to carry out a detailed assessment of the old Cork Prison facility and to provide a feasibility report on the site with various options for its use.

The draft report has been received by the Irish Prison Service and it is currently being considered by them.