Prison overcrowding: No thought for consequences Overcrowding has been a long-running challenge in the Irish prison system, and this week’s news about Cork Prison bears that out. Figures from the Irish Prison Service show 416 inmates were in Cork Prison on Thursday, of whom 105 were on mattresses: The prison has an official capacity of 296 beds. The solution floated by justice minister Jim O’Callaghan this week was to reuse the old prison, which was shut in 2017. Cork Prison has an official capacity of 296 beds. Yet, by proposing the old prison be reopened, that is precisely what will happen.

Source: Irish Examiner March 07, 2026 01:31 UTC