Prison service apologises for failure to consult with Cork residents on security fence

Residents of two housing estates in the Glen warned that it won’t prevent people from trespassing in their gardens and using the area as a launching point for contraband into the prison

The new fence, which has been installed overlooking the homes alongside the eastern curtilage of Cork Prison. The fencing is an IPS prison standard 5.2m security fencing, comprising a 2.5m high solid metal panel, on top of which sits wire mesh through which light can pass.

The Irish Prison Service (IPS) has apologised to residents living next to Cork Prison for not consulting with them on plans for the installation of a large security fence alongside their homes designed to prevent drug 'throw-overs'.

The service said it engaged with Cork City Council on the project, as required under the planning regulations, but confirmed that the fence is exempt from planning under Part 9 of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001-2023. But it acknowledged that there was no consultation with local residents, “as would be the norm for such developments”.