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267 extra prison spaces at Cloverhill Prison
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Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration Jim O’Callaghan signs contract for large-scale expansion of Cloverhill Prison
23 July 2026
Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration Jim O’Callaghan today signed the contract for the construction of a new accommodation block at Cloverhill Prison. The contract was awarded to JJ Rhatigan & Co. A 22-month build time is expected.
The construction project supports the Minister's commitment under the National Development Plan to increase capital investment to address prison overcrowding, increase prison capacity and ensure we have a modern fit-for-purpose prison estate.
Capacity will increase in Cloverhill from 433 to over 700 spaces.
The Cloverhill expansion is the largest building project undertaken by the Irish Prison Service in several years and is a key part of an overall extensive prison building programme which is expected to deliver over 1,500 new spaces between 2024 and 2031.
The project will involve the development of a new four-storey accommodation block as an extension to Block D, incorporating a major new construction project to deliver 143 new cells with capacity for up to 270 prisoners.
Speaking at the contract signing, Minister O’Callaghan said:
“I am extremely pleased to sign the contract for the Cloverhill Prison development project today. It is an important step in the expansion of our prison estate which I committed to since taking office. This reflects the Government’s determination to invest in our prisons, increase capacity on a large-scale, enhance community safety and provide rehabilitation to all those in custody.
“The Cloverhill development is a key project within our national expansion programme and will provide high‑quality, modern accommodation that strengthens safety and helps ensure the best outcomes for those in custodial care.
“This programme will ensure that the Irish Prison Service delivers a prison system that meets the needs of a modern justice sector and enables staff to work in safe and suitable surroundings.”
Since 2024, 265 spaces have been constructed across the prison estate, with 126 constructed in 2024, 106 constructed in 2025 and 33 constructed so far in 2026. A further 32 spaces will be constructed this year, and 70 in 2027.
Speaking after the contract signing, Caron McCaffrey, Director General of the Irish Prison Service, said:
“The Irish Prison Service is currently undertaking the largest prison building programme in the history of the State.
“The signing of the contract today for an extension of Cloverhill is an important milestone in the delivery of that programme which will help meet the needs of both those in our care and the staff who work in our prisons every day.”
Minister O’Callaghan has secured a record capital investment of €67.9 million for the Irish Prison Service in 2026, as part of a total investment of €528 million from 2026 to 2030. €495 million will be invested in building projects to deliver on a plan to build over 1,500 prison spaces by 2031.
This capital programme will also include a large extension to the existing Cork Prison on the site of the old, decommissioned Cork Prison, a new block in Wheatfield, and an additional block extension at Midlands prison. This is in addition to spaces at Castlerea, Mountjoy, the Dóchas Centre and Limerick Male Prison.
The record capital allocation will also allow for work to start on the planning and development of a new prison on the Thornton site in North County Dublin. A master plan for the site is expected to be developed this year, determining its future use as a combined site for use by the Irish Prison Service, International Protection Accommodation Services and An Garda Síochána with plans to commence works in 2030.
ENDS …///
NOTES TO EDITORS
National Development Plan
- The Cloverhill Prison Extension project forms part of the Government's National Development Plan 2026-2030.
Recent Capital Developments
- Since 2022, over 477 new spaces have been built across the prison estate, with 126 built in 2024, 106 built in 2025, 33 delivered so far in 2026 and a further 32 spaces will be delivered by year-end.
- In 2025 106 spaces were constructed and are operational in the Midlands, Limerick, Mountjoy, Cork and Castlerea prisons. In 2026 26 spaces for women have been delivered and are operational in the Dóchas Centre and 7 spaces have been delivered in Limerick male prison.
Current Irish Prison Service projects
- Castlerea Harristown Block: Construction started on February 9 2026 and sod turning on February 20th. This project will deliver spaces for up to 68 men in 2028.
- Castlerea The Grove Housing Development Phase 1: Construction expected to complete in Q3 2026. This will deliver 24 new spaces in 2026.
- Castlerea The Grove Housing Development Project Phase 2: Contract has been awarded and construction commenced. Will deliver accommodation for 126 men in 2028.
- Dóchas Rowan House Yard Extension Project: This project will deliver 50 spaces for women by end of 2028.
Accelerated Delivery Programme
- Minister O’Callaghan sought and secured an exemption from the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation for 6 projects (960 prison spaces) to move straight to Approval Gate 2 – Pre Tender Approval of the Infrastructure Guidelines, a measure which is expected to speed up the delivery of these projects by 12 to 18 months.