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.
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