The Northern Ireland Prison Service is set to hold two public meetings on the future of the prison estate in Northern Ireland.

The first meeting will take place on Monday 8 October at 19.00hrs in the Roe Park Resort Hotel, Limavady with the second meeting taking place in the Holiday Inn, Ormeau Avenue, Belfast on Wednesday 10 October at 19.00hrs.

The meetings follow the publication of an Outline Estate Strategy by Justice Minister David Ford on the 7 June 2012.

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Speaking ahead of the meetings the Minister said: "The Estate Strategy is part of a fundamental programme of reform currently underway across every aspect of the Prison Service and addresses current and future prison accommodation needs.

"Proposals include development of a secure college for young offenders, appropriate services and facilities for the management of women offenders and the redevelopment of facilities for adult male prisoners.

"We want people to take this opportunity to have their say on the future of the prisons estate and I would encourage as many as possible to come along to these meetings in order for their voices to be heard.”