The Glen 'does not deserve another prison': TDs oppose using old Cork prison site as jail extension

The Irish Prison Service (IPS) also said the old prison building is in a poor physical state and unsuitable for use in its current form

Justice minister Jim O’Callaghan said he would like to see the old prison site on Rathmore Road (pictured), which has lain vacant since the new facility opened in 2017, being used for an extension of the new prison, which has been struggling with overcrowding in recent years. File picture: Cillian Kelly

Political opposition is mounting in Cork to the justice minister's suggestion that the city’s old jail be used to facilitate an extension of the new prison.

A Sinn Féin TD for the northside described the proposal as “shameful” while a Labour councillor said the community will fight plans for a second prison.