Calls For A New Prison To Be Built

The Midlands Prison was at full capacity yesterday.

A former Justice Minister has said the Government needs to build a new prison.

Overcrowding has become an issue in Irish prisons, and 164 prisoners are currently sleeping on mattresses.

The Midlands Prison was full again yesterday, with 46 more in-mates in custody than there were beds available.

Portlaoise Prison was at 94% capacity.

Interim Justice Minister Simon Harris said yesterday plans are in place for four capital projects.

Those projects would deliver 400 new beds by 2028.

Senator Michael McDowell says prison capacity here hasn't kept up with population growth:

Read More: Bullying Concerns At Overcrowded Irish Prisons

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