Thomas Gould (Cork North-Central, Sinn Fein)
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294. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality to update on his discussions with the Irish Prison Service and with Government colleagues on his proposal to reopen the Old Cork Prison in the Glen. [26393/25]

Thomas Gould (Cork North-Central, Sinn Fein)
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295. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality whether he is aware of commitments given to the people of the Glen and surrounding areas on the opening of the new prison in Cork that the former prison site would not be reopened as a prison. [26394/25]

Thomas Gould (Cork North-Central, Sinn Fein)
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296. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality to update on the community dividend committed to the people of the Glen and surrounding areas, following the opening of the new Cork prison site. [26395/25]

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 294, 295 and 296 together.

The old Cork Prison was closed in February 2016. The new prison which was built on a site adjacent to the old prison, with a bed capacity of 296 providing almost an additional 100 prison spaces.

I am informed that the community dividend scheme to which the Deputy refers closed with the completion of the new prison in 2016.

At the time of the closure of the old prison in 2016, due to its condition, it was believed by Prison Service management that the old facility would not be utilised

The site of old Cork Prison remains of strategic interest to the Prison Service as a location for possible future development. In late 2023, engineering consultants were engaged by the Irish Prison Service to carry out a detailed assessment of the old facility and to provide a feasibility report on the site including various options for its use.

The draft report has been received by the Irish Prison Service and it is currently being considered. There will be consultations between the Irish Prison Service and my Department in relation to any decision to progress proposed viable options in the future.