I am advised by the Irish Prison Service that Phase 1 of the development at The Grove, Castlerea Prison has been completed and is fully operational. Phase 1 provided a single terrace of four modular houses, each with six bedrooms (24 spaces in total), together with a new support and ancillary services building, expanding the footprint of The Grove. The total final cost, including all associated planning, construction and consultancy, will be confirmed once the final account process is completed, which is expected by the end of October 2026.
I am further advised that Phase 2 will see the construction of 21 modular houses, each with 6 bedrooms within The Grove area of Castlerea Prison, creating an additional 126 prison spaces. Four of the units will provide access for a wheelchair user resident at ground floor level. As this phase of the project remains in progress, in line with public procurement and contract management procedures, cost information cannot be provided at this point as the final account has not yet been settled and remains commercially sensitive. Phase 2 is due to be completed and operational by the end Q2 2028.
