Tenders sought for prison revamp

Slopping out will soon be confined to the past at Limerick Prison.

The multi-million-euro redevelopment of Limerick Prison moved a step closer yesterday as the Irish Prison Service sought tenders from firms to construct 100 cells for men and 50 for women in separate blocks at the prison.

The works are to also include the construction of facilities for staff, catering, laundry, sports, workshop and education along with a car park for 200 cars.

Currently, 46 prisoners at Limerick prison “slop out” every day.

According to the latest figures provided by the prison service, Limerick was at over-capacity this week. On Wednesday, the men’s prison was at 100% capacity with 220 in custody, while women’s wing was at 7% overcapacity, with 30 prisoners for 28 places.

The project will see full in-cell sanitation extended across Limerick prison and involve the demolition of the out-dated A and B wings.

The prison is a committal prison for Limerick, Tipperary and Clare, and for women prisoners from across Munster.