Demand on prisons in Laois and elsewhere greater than at "any point in recent memory"

The pressure on prisons in Portlaoise caused by overcrowding has been highlighted the head of the Irish Prison Service on the publication of the annual report.

Caron McCaffrey, Director General, describes the pressure on jails as almost unprecedented in a statement issued to the Leinster Express / Laois Live.

“The past two years have demanded a great deal from the Irish Prison Service, perhaps more than at any point in recent memory. We've faced a steep rise in committals, longer sentences, and population levels that have stretched our capacity far beyond its limits. These pressures have not only tested our operations, they've tested those who work and live in our prisons.

"But even under strain, we’ve kept our focus: investing in modern infrastructure and supporting our staff. Our work is not just about managing numbers, it’s about transforming lives, promoting rehabilitation, reducing re-offending and help individuals lead law-abiding lives in turn creating safer communities. That’s our mission, our purpose that drives us, even on our most challenging days,” she said in a statement published.

In 2024, 8,704 individuals were committed to custody, a 9.6% increase (+766) compared to 2023. Of these, 77% of sentence committals were for 12 months or less, while there was an increase in the number of Judges and the number of court sittings continue to place pressures on prison capacity.

She elaborated on the situation in jails in Portlaoise and other locations in her introduction to the report.

"As pressures on the prison system continue to escalate, the impact of overcrowding has become increasingly evident. On 1st January 2024, there were 4,696 persons in custody, with 83 individuals sleeping on mattresses on the floor of another person’s cell. By the end of 2024, the prison population had risen to 5,001 - a 6% increase, while the number of people sleeping
on mattresses surged to 213, representing a staggering 156% increase.

"The sharp rise in the prison population highlights the urgent need to respond to future demand with a comprehensive capital strategy must be supported by significant funding commitments.

"Without long-term investment, the ability to plan for sustainable prison infrastructure remains limited. The necessity for a forward-looking approach to accommodation, security, and rehabilitative services cannot be overstated," he said.

She praised progress achieved in 2024 that would not have been possible without "the dedication and professionalism" of  staff.

She said there were 3,740 full-time employees, including 271 new recruit prison officers and 52 clerical staff.

"The Irish Prison Service remains committed to fostering an engaged and well-supported workforce," she wrote.

Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, Jim O’Callaghan, welcomed the publication of the 2024 Annual Report. 

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"This detailed account highlights the dedication of prison staff and the progress made in rehabilitation, education, and care, despite significant operational challenges. I commend the staff and management of the Prison Service for their commitment to dignity and safety across the prison estate. As Minister for Justice, I will continue working with the Prison Service to deliver vital infrastructure and ensure that our prison system remains fit for purpose, grounded in fairness, security, and meaningful reintegration,” he said.

A statement issued by the Irish Prison Service referenced "accelerated infrastructure investment".  It said that in Budget 2025, the Government allocated €525 million, an 18% increase from the previous year. Minister O’Callaghan recently announced a €495 million commitment under the National Development Plan, to fund major infrastructure projects at Castlerea, Cloverhill, Mountjoy, Portlaoise, Wheatfield, Midlands, Dóchas Centre, and the former Cork prison site.