Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 29 July 2025
2076. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the current condition of visiting areas for those who visit Mountjoy prison; the last time said visitor areas were upgraded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42877/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe visitor centre at Mountjoy Prison was opened in 2000, servicing Mountjoy main prison, the Training Unit, Mountjoy West and the Dóchas Centre.
The visitor centre will be temporarily relocated whilst essential works are underway to increase the capacity of The Dóchas Centre. It will reopen once the core elements of this work is completed.
The Irish Prison Service is committed to facilitating visitors to prisoners at Mountjoy prison. In order to do this, a new temporary visiting area, recently completed inside the prison will provide visiting capacity for the duration of the works referred to. This temporary arrangement will cease once the main visitor centre is reopened.
The new Irish Prison Service Family Connections Officer is working closely with the Finance and Estates Directorate to plan a programme of work to enhance visitor centres and visitor areas across the prison estate over the coming years.
