Former prison a ‘unique heritage site’

AN application for planning permission to build a new bridge between Spike Island in Cork Harbour and the mainland is expected to be lodged early next month.

However, the measure may face local opposition after Fine Gael TD David Stanton yesterday called for a public debate on the future of the site - he said it could be developed as a tourist attraction similar to Alcatraz in San Francisco.

The Prison Service has confirmed plans for a major new prison facility on Spike Island to replace the existing Cork Prison are “at an advanced stage”.

It is understood it will house around 500 inmates including a special wing for female prisoners.

However, Mr Stanton has claimed the decision of Justice Minister, Michael McDowell to develop a new prison on the island is a “missed opportunity”.

He has called for a public debate on future plans for the site following the closure of Fort Mitchell prison there in early 2004.

Mr Stanton described it as a “unique heritage site”.

“Spike Island could be developed as a major tourist attraction as well as providing provide a major boost for tourism in the area. Under what is proposed by the minister, it could become an eyesore for everyone living in Cork Harbour.”

He said Spike Island had the potential to become as famous a landmark as Alcatraz and Robben Island near Cape Town.

The bridge is seen as the first preliminary stage of the proposed multi-million euro prison development.

A Prison Service spokesperson said: “The ferry was a very costly. The bridge makes the location much more attractive.”

However, Mr Stanton said the bridge could cost as much as €10 million.

He called for an analysis to be carried out on the tourism potential for the former prison given its historical connection and location before any decision was taken to proceed with the new prison.

Several sites are being examined as a possible location for the mainland side of the bridge, although a link via the neighbouring island of Haulbowline is also under consideration as it already has a land connection by road.

The Prison Service intends to apply for planning permission for a new prison on Spike Island later this spring.

It will be designed to replace the overcrowded prison at Rathmore Road in Cork which currently accommodates 250 prisoners. However, it will be contained on a new site on the island as the old prison is not considered suitable.

The prison authorities are also concerned about the inadequate facilities at the existing prison which was originally designed to house 150 inmates.

It is expected any new prison would be built as a public-private partnership. The Prison Service declined to estimate the timescale for the project, although it is unlikely the facility would be operational before 2009 at the earliest.