Trust to buy building set aside for prisoners leaving jail

The Cork Civic Trust is poised to make an offer to buy a State-owned city property earmarked for a controversial step-down facility for ex-prisoners.

The move by the non-profit voluntary body provides a real alternative to the Department of Justice’s proposals for its Westview House facility on St Patrick’s Hill, said local Fianna Fáil councillor Ken O’Flynn.

It is expected that the Trust’s offer will be presented to Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald soon.