Minister Flanagan expresses concern over fire at Midlands Prison

The Minister for Justice and Equality, Charlie Flanagan TD, has expressed concern over a fire which broke out at Midlands prison in Portlaoise last night.

The Minister said: “I have been informed by the Irish Prison Service that a fire took place in the attic of the E Division of Midlands Prison last night. Thankfully no one was injured and I commend the fire brigade and all those who responded to the fire in order to extinguish it. I am also reassured by the confirmation I have received from the IPS that all relevant safety systems worked as expected. Some non-residential areas of the Division have however been damaged.

I understand power has been restored to many of the affected areas and I know the IPS are working to keep disruptions for prisoners to a minimum. I am of course concerned that the fire broke out in the first place. Early indications suggest the fire started as a result of an electrical wiring fault however I am expecting a full report on the incident from the Irish Prison Service in due course.”

ENDS