Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 October 2025
469. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the total cost of single modular housing units provided by the Irish Prison Service since 1 January 2020; the procurement process used for these units; and if he will provide a breakdown of the number of units purchased and their individual costs. [53860/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Irish Prison Service provides a range of accommodation types to assist in the management of sentences, to facilitate appropriate progression, and to support the transition from custody back into their community of people sentenced to a term of imprisonment. There are currently a number of ongoing short, medium and long term projects to be delivered in line with the commitments in the National Development Plan which will provide additional prisoner accommodation.
Over the course of 2024 and 2025, projects were developed and delivered in respect of the construction of single modular units known as “Independent Living Units” at a semi-open area of Castlerea Prison, and at the two open centres at Loughan House and Shelton Abbey.
These projects, as well as delivering urgently needed additional accommodation for the prison estate, also provide accommodation suitable for people sentenced to longer-terms of imprisonment who are preparing for release back into the community. The accommodation assists in preparing such people for living independently following their release, by providing an environment that requires independent living skills, similar to what will be needed outside the prison setting.
These residential unit type accommodation facilities, enable individuals to develop basic life skills such as cooking meals, washing their laundry, cleaning and maintaining a home, while also interacting with others.
They are designed with reference to detailed specifications from the Office of Public Works design criteria and comply with the latest modern building standards, and have a lifespan of an estimated 60 years. They also meet the requirements outlined in the Governments Climate Action Plan 2023.
Total Project Costs include: design consultancy; all site preparation and ancillary works (pedestrian & road access, water, electrical, sewage etc.); security works (CCTV, fencing, etc), and necessary enhancements to the materials specifications.
The procurement process was by way of a competitive tendering process to the Irish Prison Service’s construction frameworks.
I am advised that the total number of single modular units constructed is 24 with 10 at Loughan House, 10 at Shelton Abbey, and 4 at The Grove at Castlerea Prison. The Castlerea project also includes 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/prisoner space (please note retention fees still remain to be paid) is estimated as follows:
Loughan House: €430K
Shelton Abbey: €510K
Castlerea Prison The Grove: €382K
