The Justice Minister says preparatory works on four key projects are due to get underway this year.
More money has been announced to try to deal with prison capacity issues.
Last week, the Prison Officers Association claimed the system is at breaking point with almost 1,000 more prisoners nationally that capacity would allow.
Justice Minister Helen McEntee has said the nearly €50 million will increase capacity in the short-term through undefined measures.
She says preparatory works will begin on four projects, including the Midlands Prison, this year, with construction expected to start in 2025.
Gabriel Keaveny of the IPOA says dangerous levels of overcrowding cannot be allowed to continue:
Managers Should Consider Remote Work Where Possible- FRS
Tourism Minister Welcomes Government Short-Term Let Restrictions
Former Portlaoise Prison Assistant Governor Criticises Psychiatric Prisoner Numbers
Midlands Local Authority Submits Plans To Extend Living City Initiative
Laois Commuters Spend Up To Two Hours A Day Travelling To Work
"Clarity, Honesty And Fairness Must Come Before Profits" - Midlands MEP
Rent Increases Hit Westmeath Council Tenants
NUJ Warn Oireachtas AI Threatening Journalism
Midlands Tourism Businesses Awarded For Excellence
Man Accused Of Murder In 5 Star Laois Hotel Pleads Not Guilty
Time To Move On From Bord Bia Bickering - Midlands MEP
Three Midlands Schools In Line For New Special Classes
Two Men Hospitalised Following Midlands Assault
Midlands Wind Farm Opponents Face ‘Uphill Battle’
Laois Councillor Wants Clarity On NDP
"If You Build On A Floodplain, I Won't Protect You" - OPW Minister
Gardaí Investigate Laois Burglary
"The Right Action In The Wrong Location" - Action Group Campaigning Against Midlands Windfarm
Deadline For Observations on Westmeath Community Centre Tomorrow
Laois County Council Launch Youth Theatre Pilot Proposals