The article details the government's response to surging prison numbers, currently at 115% capacity, necessitating plans for 960 additional spaces in various prisons. The expansion projects aim to alleviate overcrowding and include accelerating timelines by months for facilities across the country, such as Castlerea and Mountjoy. Key developments include additional capacity for both male and female inmates, along with essential mental health facilities. The overall strategy, spearheaded by Mr. O'Callaghan, also seeks to enhance alternatives to imprisonment, like community service orders.
"Prison capacity is currently at 115%, with a record 5,394 inmates in mid-April, marking an 11% increase from the previous year."
"Mr O'Callaghan's plans include a significant acceleration of prison projects, aiming to reduce delivery timelines by up to 18 months across several facilities."
"New initiatives will expand male and female prisoner capacity, including the construction of a mental health facility at Mountjoy by early 2029."
#prison-capacity #overcrowding #infrastructure-development #criminal-justice #mental-health-facilities
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