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27/11/2012
Ford U-Turn Over Magilligan Prison
Justice Minister David Ford appears to have made a U-turn on the future of County L’Derry’s Magilligan prison.
It was thought that Northern Ireland’s second largest prison would be closed in six years’ time, but Minister Ford signalled on Monday that it would probably remain open.
Prison officers protested at Stormont last week, handing over a 5,000 signature petition against the closure to the Justice Minister.
He then told the Assembly that closure was no longer the preferred option.
"I am now of the opinion that a convincing case might be made for the retention of a prison in the north west on the Magilligan site and of course I would welcome the positive impact this could have both for Magilligan staff and for the local economy," he said.
"I want to stress that further work is needed before a definitive decision can be made both to ensure that adequate rehabilitation opportunities can be identified and provided; and to look creatively at how family links could be better facilitated and sustained so as to reduce barriers to the effective rehabilitation of prisoners.
"However, I am now inclined towards retaining a prison on the Magilligan site, subject to evidence being provided that issues around rehabilitation and family links can be adequately addressed."
It is thought price is a major factor in the decisions made regarding Magilligan. The estimated price of a new jail near Maghaberry was about £140m.
David Ford told the Assembly on Monday: "Certainly there will be a lesser capital requirement if we are to retain a prison at Magilligan than there would be if a new prison was to be built elsewhere."
A review team appointed by Mr Ford found that the three H-blocks at the prison are not fit for purpose and that the 71 mile distance from Belfast meant a long drive for the majority of visitors.
(IT/GK)
It was thought that Northern Ireland’s second largest prison would be closed in six years’ time, but Minister Ford signalled on Monday that it would probably remain open.
Prison officers protested at Stormont last week, handing over a 5,000 signature petition against the closure to the Justice Minister.
He then told the Assembly that closure was no longer the preferred option.
"I am now of the opinion that a convincing case might be made for the retention of a prison in the north west on the Magilligan site and of course I would welcome the positive impact this could have both for Magilligan staff and for the local economy," he said.
"I want to stress that further work is needed before a definitive decision can be made both to ensure that adequate rehabilitation opportunities can be identified and provided; and to look creatively at how family links could be better facilitated and sustained so as to reduce barriers to the effective rehabilitation of prisoners.
"However, I am now inclined towards retaining a prison on the Magilligan site, subject to evidence being provided that issues around rehabilitation and family links can be adequately addressed."
It is thought price is a major factor in the decisions made regarding Magilligan. The estimated price of a new jail near Maghaberry was about £140m.
David Ford told the Assembly on Monday: "Certainly there will be a lesser capital requirement if we are to retain a prison at Magilligan than there would be if a new prison was to be built elsewhere."
A review team appointed by Mr Ford found that the three H-blocks at the prison are not fit for purpose and that the 71 mile distance from Belfast meant a long drive for the majority of visitors.
(IT/GK)
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