Prisoners in Mountjoy should be accommodated in house units holding eight to 12 people rather than traditional cell blocks, a report on the redevelopment of the prison has recommended, writes Declan Fahy.
The report by the Mountjoy Complex Redevelopment Group also recommended that the complex, excluding the female prison, should accommodate up to 723 prisoners committed from courts in the Leinster area. There are currently about 900 prisoners in Mountjoy.
The report was released by the Minister for Justice, Mr O'Donoghue, who said he was determined to "commence the replacement of the outmoded accommodation and facilities at this location".
The complex should also have a pivotal role in the drug treatment services. It should contain separate induction and pre-release facilities, as well as adjoining half-way house accommodation for newly-released offenders.
The Minister said there would be a period of consultation about the report's recommendations between community, staff and other interests.