It's under a proposal by the Justice Minister to create 960 new spaces nationally.
The Justice Minister wants to create 960 extra prison spaces over the next five years to tackle chronic overcrowding.
The country’s jails are currently operating at 115% capacity, with an 11% rise in prisoners over the past year.
Portlaoise Prison is operating at 124% capacity, with Midlands Prison at 118%.
Midlands Prison will be in line for an extra 180 spaces under the current plan.
Castlerea Prison will receive an extra 150 spaces and the Dochas Centre in Dublin will get 50 more female spaces.
The Old Cork Prison will be demolished and rebuilt under the plans creating 230 male and 100 female spaces.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin says the increased capacity is important:
Funeral For Teen Killed In M9 Crash Taking Place Today
Mayo LGFA Supporting Go Fund Me For M9 Victims
Laois Prize Bonds Player Scoops €50k In Weekly Draw
Former Midlands Garda Sergeant Shares Thoughts On M9 Crash
North Midlands Credit Union Rejects Merger
Gardai Issue Appeal On 30th Anniversary Of Disappearance and Murder of Fiona Pender
Electric Picnic Confirms Final Line-Up Ahead Of Festival
Black Bull Threshing Festival Returns To Offaly This Weekend