Maze 'ruled out of easing prisons overcrowding'

A Northern Ireland minister told the Home Office tonight to forget any hope it could solve the overcrowding crisis in Britain’s jails by reopening the Maze Prison.

Reusing the H Blocks – former home to hundreds of convicted terrorists – was an option put forward as a way of coping with a shortage of accommodation.

The top security jail closed in 2000 after more than 800 paramilitary prisoners were freed under the terms of the Good Friday Agreement.

It had been suggested the jail could be used to house foreign prisoners but David Hanson, the minister responsible for the former prison site, made clear it would be used for no such thing.

Work actually began last Monday on the demolition of the jail outside Lisburn, Co Antrim in preparation for building a Northern Ireland national sports stadium.

Demolition of the cell blocks is due to star early next year.

Mr Hanson said: “I understand that the Home Office has been looking at a range of prison options. Naturally, as a former prison, the Maze would have been part of that.

“But since the Maze closed in 2000, the old infrastructure is being demolished.”

Development plans for the 360 acre site – which will also house an international centre for conflict resolution – were “well advanced,” said Mr Hanson.

The Home Office earlier conceded moving prisoners in any numbers to Northern Ireland from mainland Britain would require primary legislation and therefore did not offer a short term solution.

“That is why we are prioritising our efforts on finding ships, building new prisons and expanding existing prisons,” said a Home Office spokeswoman.