Thomas Gould (Cork North-Central, Sinn Fein)
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619. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the criteria used to determine suitability of a site for a new prison building.; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32261/25]

Thomas Gould (Cork North-Central, Sinn Fein)
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621. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality whether he has contacted the Land Development Agency or any other agency to discuss potential greenfield sites for a new prison in Cork. [32263/25]

Thomas Gould (Cork North-Central, Sinn Fein)
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622. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality to outline the engagement he has had with the community in the Glen, Cork, regarding the proposed second prison. [32264/25]

Thomas Gould (Cork North-Central, Sinn Fein)
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623. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality to outline the engagement he has had with local Gardaí in the Glen, Cork, regarding the proposed second prison. [32265/25]

Thomas Gould (Cork North-Central, Sinn Fein)
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624. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality to publish the report into the Old Cork Prison site immediately. [32266/25]

Thomas Gould (Cork North-Central, Sinn Fein)
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625. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality whether the Irish Prison Service supports the new prison in the Glen, Cork. [32267/25]

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 619, 621, 622, 623, 624 and 625 together.

In considering the pressing need for new prison spaces, while also considering value for money for the taxpayer, the Irish Prison Service has developed a renewed capital plan to deliver over 1,500 new spaces. This plan makes optimal use of existing sites as this is a more cost effective and efficient path to delivery of the required spaces.

The plan includes significant refurbishment and upgrade works in the existing prison estate, which has delivered over 150 new spaces since 2024, and includes the construction of new blocks within existing prisons. In order to meet demand, it has been necessary to consider the options for the old Cork Prison site to house a new prison.

Subject to securing the necessary funding for these projects, through the Government’s review of the National Development Plan, an accelerated approach to delivering 960 spaces in the plan will speed up timelines by 12 to 18 months.

The plan aims to deliver 230 (Male) and 100 (Female) additional spaces on the old Cork Prison site. Given the estimated completion date of 2031, the Deputy will understand that planning for the project is still at a very early stage.