Gillian Toole (Meath East, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

447. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the revised plans for a location (details supplied); the consultation that has taken place or will take place with the local communities of the Ward, Ashbourne and Ratoath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67250/25]

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

A record capital investment of €67.9 million is being provided to the Irish Prison Service in 2026 and this forms part of a total capital investment of €527 million for the period 2026 to 2030. €495 million is being provided for capital works to build on a plan to deliver 1,595 prison spaces by 2031.

This will be the largest ever building programme in the prison estate and will include a large extension to the existing Cork Prison on the site of the old decommissioned Cork Prison. The programme will include a new block in Wheatfield, an additional block extension at Midlands prison, as well as additional spaces at Castlerea, Mountjoy, Cloverhill, Portlaoise, Limerick and Dóchas. It will also fund planning and commencement of the construction of a new prison at the Thornton site in North County Dublin.

A master plan for the Thornton site will be developed in 2026, determining its future use as a combined site for use by the IPS, International Protection Accommodation Services and An Garda Síochána.

As the project progresses, I can assure the Deputy there will be stakeholder engagement as part of a considered planning process.