Midlands Prisons capacity is at 120%.
The Irish Penal Reform Trust is expressing their concern at persistent overcrowding outlined in a new report by the Irish Prison Service.
The latest available figures for the prisoner population in Midlands Prison shows capacity is at 120 per cent, and at 135 per cent in Portlaoise Prison.
The report also shows the average annual cost of a staffed prison space has risen to over 103,330 euro , a 4.3 per cent increase on 2024.
Niamh McCormack, Legal and Public Affairs Manager for the Irish Penal Reform Trust and says alternatives are needed for lower level offences:
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