Prison Service

Thursday, 2 July 2026

Questions (365)

Erin McGreehan

Question:

365. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the total cost of the construction works and modular units provided at Castlerea Prison, Loughan House Open Centre, and Shelton Abbey Open Centre, with the costs broken down on a site-by-site basis and including all associated planning, construction, consultancy, and related project costs; the total cost of the construction and renovation works for the Governors House at Loughan House Open Centre including all associated planning, construction, consultancy, and related project costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50523/26]

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Written answers

Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration

I am advised that the total number of single modular units constructed is 24 with 10 at Loughan House, 10 at Shelton Abbey, 4 at The Grove at Castlerea Prison.

The Castlerea project also included the provision of two three-bedroom semi detached houses, providing shared accommodation for 6 people, resulting in a total of 10 additional spaces at Castlerea Prison.

The final individual VAT exclusive total project costs per unit is as follows;

Loughan House: €430K.

Shelton Abbey: €510K.

Castlerea Prison The Grove: €382K.

Loughan House Open Centre ‘Governors House’ (known as Spruce Lodge) included the full refurbishment of a 3 bedroom house and other common areas such as sitting room/kitchen etc. including new finishes, fixtures and fittings throughout. It also included significant upgrades on the mechanical, electrical and data installations. The house also had external insulated render applied to it and new windows and doors fitted.

The final renovation cost was €392K (exVAT)