St Patrick’s Institution - Correctional facility unfit for purpose

Justice Minister Alan Shatter yesterday announced the closure of St Patrick’s Institution for young offenders in Dublin.

The Inspector of Prisons recommended the closure for health and safety reasons in his annual report of 2012.

The inspector warned the safe and secure custody of young offenders could no longer be guaranteed at the institution. The young offenders will be moved to Wheatfield Prison over the next six months, pending the development of facilities in Oberstown in 2014.