Numbers have soared in 2026.
Overcrowding in Laois prisons has stayed at over 120% capacity every day so far in 2026.
The latest figures from the Irish Prison Service shows the Midlands Prison has stayed at around 121% capacity since New Year's Day, with 120 prisoners currently on mattresses.
While the numbers at Portlaoise are remaining at 135%, with 28 inmates without a bed.
An extra 250 beds were fastracked by Government last December for Midlands, to boost its almost 900 prisoner capacity, while that figure stands at 225 for Portlaoise.
Laois Brothers Sentenced Over Rape And Assault Charges
Laois TD Questions EirGrid On Energy Capacity
Westmeath Library Re-Opening Pushed Back
Offaly GAA Club Submit New Pitch Plans
Gardaí Attend Scenes Of Midlands Crashes
Midlands Counties See Dramatic Fall In Housing Commencements
Westmeath Councillor Calls For Baby Loss Certificate Scheme
Commemorative Walk For Ashling Murphy To Take Place In New York
Sentencing Adjourned For Offaly Father Whose Son Died In Arson Attack
Gardaí Seize Heroin, Crack Cocaine And Cash In Offaly Town
Opposition TD Calls For Minister Overpayment Ultimatum
Investigation Underway After Suspected Arson At Westmeath Home
Midlands Counties Gear Up For National Pyjama Day 2026
Deadline Approaches For Schools To Enter Fyffes’ ‘Ireland’s Fittest School’ Competition
Portlaoise Jazz Festival Returns After 30 Year Hiatus
€1.2m Funding To Transform National Famine Museum Outdoor Experience
Deadline Extended For Offaly Hare’s Corner Biodiversity Project
Offaly Musician Pays Tribute To Home Town After TV Success
Planning Approved For 202 New Homes And Crèche In Laois