Locals angry over prison speculation

ANGER and surprise were expressed by local representatives and community leaders yesterday as they learnt that an army camp in North Cork could become the site of a €70 million prison.

The Department of Justice has admitted that it’s looking at the 1,200-acre Kilworth Camp, near Fermoy, for a new 500-cell prison having faced stiff opposition to locate it on Spike Island, Cobh.

“I was stunned to hear this could happen without there being any consultation. I don’t think it’s appropriate for the area and I’m opposed to it,” Cllr Aileen Pyne said.