McDowell considers Mountjoy demolition

Justice Minister Michael McDowell has revealed that is considering demolishing Mountjoy Prison in Dublin.

Earlier this week, the Prisons Inspector's first annual report called for the demolition of both Mountjoy and Portlaoise prisons, where conditions have been described as among the worst in Europe.

"The site of Mountjoy Prison at the moment could, if it received favourable planning treatment from Dublin Corporation, be a very, very valuable site indeed and would go a long way towards the provision of a proper prison," he said.