Nearly 80 criminals have absconded from country's 'open' prisons 

Shelton Abbey in Co Wicklow is one of two open prisons in the State. 

A total of 79 convicted criminals have absconded from the State’s two low-security ‘open’ prisons since 2014, seven of whom remain at large — including one who has evaded the authorities for a decade.

Loughan House in Co Cavan and Shelton Abbey in Co Wicklow usually accommodate prisoners who are considered to pose a reduced risk to the public or are preparing for release towards the end of their sentences.