Tenders sought to build new prison

Tenders are being sought to build a new multimillion euro prison in Cork.

The 15,000 sq m H-block style prison will be built on a vacant site next to the existing prison at Rathmore Rd.

Procurement will be on the basis of a design and build contract and it is that estimated the building will be a combination of two and three storeys.

The current prison is very overcrowded, and the Prison Service wants the new building to contain approximately 160 cells on two wings. It will be able to accommodate around 310 inmates.

Overcrowding has been a significant problem at the current jail, especially if the prison population reaches 270 inmates.

The new building will also include catering, laundry, sports, workshop, and education facilities.

The Prison Service will insist that the new building includes of state-of-the-art security systems, especially for CCTV and monitoring functions, as well as communications.

The prison will be surrounded by a 7.2m perimeter wall.

Closing date for receipt of all tenders is Mar 28.

It is expected up to 200 people will be employed during construction.

Residents have expressed fears the new prison is “far too large” for a six-acre site.