The new Justice Minister has been called to push ahead with plans to build a new prison in Co L'Derry.

The previous Justice Minister, David Ford, recognised that the standards of Magilligan prison fell short of those required by disability access legislation and that the current infrastructure has outlived its useful life, according to SDLP MLA Gerry Mullan.

-- Advertisement --

Mr Mullan is urging MLA Claire Sugden to announce plans for the way forward on Magilligan "as soon as possible".

He said: "It's critical that we see a new build at the site to relieve pressure on staff and prisoners, offering them a genuine opportunity for rehabilitation in a modern prison environment.

"But critically for East Derry, a new build will help to stimulate the local construction industry which has struggled throughout the economic downturn. The delivery of capital projects was a key failure of the last Executive. As a public representative for this constituency, I will ensure that the new Government's feet are held to the fire to deliver new projects and new jobs for people here."

(CD/MH)