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18/02/2015
New Women's Prison Facility Under Construction
Work has begun on a new facility on the Hydebank Wood site in Belfast for women prisoners who are nearing the end of their sentence.
The two-storey house includes six bedrooms, communal living, dining and kitchen areas, as well as family and group rooms.
Construction work began in January and is due to be completed in August this year.
Responding to an Assembly question on the development at Hydebank Wood, Justice Minister David Ford said: "The new stepdown facility will house up to six female prisoners nearing the end of their sentence and prepare them for return to the community.
"As part of the prisons reform programme, it will support the individual's progress by enhancing employment opportunities on their return to the community. Prison officers will work to encourage responsibility and self-esteem, placing appropriate levels of trust and support prior to release.
"This arrangement has operated successfully for prisoners in Northern Ireland for a number of years.The dedicated facility improves our capacity to assess and manage risk as prisoners return to the community."
Director General of the Prison Service, Sue McAllister said: "This is an important milestone for females in custody where they can be tested before they return to the community. Preparing people to successfully reintegrate back into the wider community is a key role of the Prison Service and is one of the ways we can help to build a safer Northern Ireland."
Hydebank Wood Governor Austin Treacy added: "The new stepdown facility will be a significant addition to our female accommodation at Hydebank Wood. Pre-release preparations and community testing will be enhanced when it is completed this summer. It allows for a more normal environment whilst still having controls in place."
(IT/MH)
The two-storey house includes six bedrooms, communal living, dining and kitchen areas, as well as family and group rooms.
Construction work began in January and is due to be completed in August this year.
Responding to an Assembly question on the development at Hydebank Wood, Justice Minister David Ford said: "The new stepdown facility will house up to six female prisoners nearing the end of their sentence and prepare them for return to the community.
"As part of the prisons reform programme, it will support the individual's progress by enhancing employment opportunities on their return to the community. Prison officers will work to encourage responsibility and self-esteem, placing appropriate levels of trust and support prior to release.
"This arrangement has operated successfully for prisoners in Northern Ireland for a number of years.The dedicated facility improves our capacity to assess and manage risk as prisoners return to the community."
Director General of the Prison Service, Sue McAllister said: "This is an important milestone for females in custody where they can be tested before they return to the community. Preparing people to successfully reintegrate back into the wider community is a key role of the Prison Service and is one of the ways we can help to build a safer Northern Ireland."
Hydebank Wood Governor Austin Treacy added: "The new stepdown facility will be a significant addition to our female accommodation at Hydebank Wood. Pre-release preparations and community testing will be enhanced when it is completed this summer. It allows for a more normal environment whilst still having controls in place."
(IT/MH)
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26 October 2009
Prison Arts Celebrated
Northern Ireland prisoners have won two first prizes and landed more than 29 awards in a prestigious UK-wide competition for prison arts. Artwork from Maghaberry and Hydebank Wood was among 150 original visual pieces on display at the annual Koestler Awards Exhibition which previewed at the Royal Festival Hall in London today.
Prison Arts Celebrated
Northern Ireland prisoners have won two first prizes and landed more than 29 awards in a prestigious UK-wide competition for prison arts. Artwork from Maghaberry and Hydebank Wood was among 150 original visual pieces on display at the annual Koestler Awards Exhibition which previewed at the Royal Festival Hall in London today.
31 August 2021
53-Year-Old Dies In Custody At Maghaberry Prison
A 53-year-old has reportedly died in custody at Maghaberry Prison, the Northern Ireland Prison Service has announced. The Department of Justice has reported that the prisoner died on Saturday 28 August, that his next of kin have been informed and that the death was not covid related.
53-Year-Old Dies In Custody At Maghaberry Prison
A 53-year-old has reportedly died in custody at Maghaberry Prison, the Northern Ireland Prison Service has announced. The Department of Justice has reported that the prisoner died on Saturday 28 August, that his next of kin have been informed and that the death was not covid related.
31 August 2018
Man Dies In Maghaberry Prison
A 22-year-old man has died while in custody at Maghaberry Prison, the Northern Ireland Prison Service has reported. The Department of Justice has confirmed that the man died in custody on the morning of Thursday, 30 August. The man's next of kin have been informed. The PSNI, Coroner and Prisoner Ombudsman have been informed about the death.
Man Dies In Maghaberry Prison
A 22-year-old man has died while in custody at Maghaberry Prison, the Northern Ireland Prison Service has reported. The Department of Justice has confirmed that the man died in custody on the morning of Thursday, 30 August. The man's next of kin have been informed. The PSNI, Coroner and Prisoner Ombudsman have been informed about the death.
14 March 2017
Female Prison Officer Injured After Being Attacked At Magahberry Jail
A female prison officer has been injured after being attacked by a male inmate at Maghaberry Prison just outside Lisburn. A sharp weapon is believed to have been used. The officer was taken to hospital to be treated. A Prison Service spokesperson said: "A prison officer has suffered a serious injury following an assault by a prisoner in Maghaberry.
Female Prison Officer Injured After Being Attacked At Magahberry Jail
A female prison officer has been injured after being attacked by a male inmate at Maghaberry Prison just outside Lisburn. A sharp weapon is believed to have been used. The officer was taken to hospital to be treated. A Prison Service spokesperson said: "A prison officer has suffered a serious injury following an assault by a prisoner in Maghaberry.
14 September 2016
Staff At Maghaberry Prison Watched As Prisoner Self-Harmed
Staff at Maghaberry Prison in Lisburn have been criticised after they failed to intervene while a prisoner blinded himself, according to a Prison Ombudsman report. Sean Lynch, 23, was being detained at the prison in June 2014 and inflicted "extreme and shocking" injuries through self-harm over a three day period.
Staff At Maghaberry Prison Watched As Prisoner Self-Harmed
Staff at Maghaberry Prison in Lisburn have been criticised after they failed to intervene while a prisoner blinded himself, according to a Prison Ombudsman report. Sean Lynch, 23, was being detained at the prison in June 2014 and inflicted "extreme and shocking" injuries through self-harm over a three day period.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A cloudy day with a little light rain or drizzle at times, but some spells of drier weather too. The north coast may become somewhat brighter later this afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:Cloudy and patchy light rain will slowly clear away this evening. Then the rest of the night will be dry with broken cloud. Westerly winds freshening in the early hours. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
