Fine Gael Cork North West Deputy, Áine Collins, has said the development of a new prison for Cork will enhance the living conditions of prisoners and will help to meet national and international obligations to detainees, many of whom are currently residing in substandard conditions.

She said: "The situation in Cork prison as it stands is that chronic over-crowding is taking place, and the practice of slopping out still exists. There is capacity at the prison for 146 prisoners but the prison typically accommodates 270 prisoners; a situation which is wholly unacceptable. The prison lacks basic in-cell sanitation, dating, as it does from the early 19th century and conditions have come in from strong criticism by the Inspector of Prisons and the Council of Europe Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CPT).

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"Plans to build onto the site of the existing prison are in train and the development will have capacity for approximately 275 prisoners based on double cell occupancy, with occupancy peaking at 310 inmates in emergency circumstances. All cells will also have toilets and showers.

"In advance of development taking place, consent must be granted by way of legislation, and it is hoped that the resolution and the confirming Bill will be passed by both Houses of the Oireachtas before the summer recess so that tendering for the construction of the new prison can proceed.

"There is a pressing need to deal with the conditions currently being endured by prisoners at Cork Prison and, provided the plans do not meet any obstacles, it is expected that construction will commence in October 2013 and will be completed in early 2016.

"During the construction phase, a traffic management plan will be put in place to minimise disruption to local residents living close by the prison. The perimeter wall will also be the first thing that is constructed, in a bid to reduce noise and dust during the construction phase."

(CD/JP)