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Prison Overcrowding Leading To Violence And Drug Abuse - Irish Prison Officers

Monday, 21 July 2025 10:22

Irish prisons are well over what's considered safe numbers in the State's prison population.

Ireland’s prisons have hit breaking point, with inmate numbers now 119% over capacity across the country.

Portlaoise Prison is operating at 123% with Midlands Prison at 117%.

Reports today highlight there are just over 200 more inmates in Midlands Prison and 58 more prisoners in Portlaoise Prison then their maximum capacity. 

There are fears recreation halls may soon be used to house prisoners, as the system runs out of space, according to the Irish Examiner.

Ireland’s prison population has soared past safe capacity, with over 5,500 inmates now in custody.

Reports today highlight there are 860 more inmates than jails can hold

Cork Prison is the worst affected, with every cell doubled up and nearly 90 prisoners sleeping on floors.

The Prison Officers Association says overcrowding is fuelling violence, drug abuse, and creating unsafe conditions for staff and inmates.

Prison officers claim all available cell space is used up and the system is entering "Unthinkable territory"

While the government plans to accelerate new prison builds, officers say emergency action, including reopening old facilities, is needed immediately.

Officers say 12-hundred extra spaces are needed immediately to deal with overcrowding, however planned spaces committed by the Government falls short of that.

The Irish Penal Reform Trust says extra spaces will create more overcrowding down the line.

Its Executive Director, Saoirse Brady says shorter sentences are clogging up the system:


Former Prisoners John Lonergan says this will keep happening until the justice system looks at sentencing terms: 

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