Question
265. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the current number of prison spaces available for both male and female prisoners throughout the prison system; the extent to which overcrowding exists; if the provision of extra spaces is contemplated; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27616/15]
Answer
Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald): I am advised by the Irish Prison Service that the overall bed capacity of the Irish Prison System is 4,126. On the 7 July 2015 there were 3,776 prisoners in custody. This represents just under 92% occupancy. These figures are published daily by the Irish Prison Service on its' website www.irishprisons.ie
A full breakdown including, capacity, number in custody and percentage of bed capacity is set out in the following table as of July 7th, 2015.
| Institution | Bed Capacity | Number in Custody | % of Bed Capacity |
 |
|
|
Mountjoy Campus |
| Mountjoy (M) | 554 | 531 | 96% |
| Mountjoy (F) | 105 | 108 | 103% |
| Training Unit | 96 | 96 | 100% |
| St Patrick’s | 34 | 3 | 9% |
|
|
|
West Dublin Campus |
| Cloverhill | 431 | 359 | 83% |
| Wheatfield | 550 | 492 | 89% |
|
|
|
Portlaoise Campus |
| Midlands | 870 | 810 | 93% |
| Portlaoise | 291 | 214 | 74% |
| Cork | 210 | 232 | 110% |
| Limerick (M) | 220 | 235 | 107% |
| Limerick (F) | 28 | 23 | 82% |
| Castlerea | 340 | 317 | 93% |
| Arbour Hill | 142 | 134 | 94% |
| Loughan House | 140 | 119 | 85% |
| Shelton Abbey | 115 | 103 | 90% |
| Totals | 4,126 | 3,776 | 92% |
In relation to Cork Prison, construction of a new prison to replace the existing facility began in January, 2014 and is on course to be completed later this year.
In relation to Limerick Prison, approval has been received to advance the project to detailed design stage.