Investment In 'Fit For Purpose' Prison Estate Urgent Needed

Justice Minister Naomi Long has emphasised the critical need for a secure and functional prison estate to support the rehabilitation of inmates, following a visit to Magilligan Prison.

During her visit, Minister Long inspected ongoing work on a new kitchen and café project, as well as plans for new prisoner accommodation. The new kitchen and café are part of the first phase of essential capital works at Magilligan, aiming to create a safe and decent environment. The current kitchen, a portacabin structure in use since 1990 and designed for 300 prisoners, now serves a population of 500.

Minister Long highlighted the ageing infrastructure of Northern Ireland’s prisons, stating, "Much of the Northern Ireland prison estate is nearing the end of its useful economic life, with the Prison Service facing rising maintenance costs totalling £28 million over the last 8 years. These costs are in large part due to ageing infrastructure. The Magilligan Prison estate in particular, has been highlighted in various inspection reports as unfit for purpose, with temporary buildings and Second World War Nissan huts with deteriorating walls, roofs and flooring plus ageing plumbing, electrical and heating systems."

She acknowledged the financial challenges but stressed the necessity of continued investment. "I fully understand that all of this work requires considerable resource at a time when public finances are extremely challenging. However, without continued and long-term investment in our prisons, they will further deteriorate," she said. The new kitchen and café at Magilligan will become the largest working and training kitchen in the North West, providing prisoners with catering and hospitality skills and qualifications to improve their employment prospects upon release. The energy-efficient facility is also expected to reduce annual maintenance costs and contribute to government carbon emission targets.

Regarding plans for new accommodation at Halward House, Minister Long explained, "Due to significant cost inflation, the Prison Service is proceeding using a phased approach to develop a new 60 cell wing which will help meet the demands of a rising prisoner population. An Outline Business Case is at an early stage so timelines are not yet available for the commencement of construction." She also announced that a new 10-bed unit for prisoners nearing the end of their sentences will open at Magilligan in the coming months.

A wider masterplan for Magilligan also includes a new Welcome and Visits Centre, Independent Living Units, a new Energy Centre, and an administration and Emergency Control Room building.

Elsewhere, the Northern Ireland Prison Service (NIPS) is planning to develop three independent living units at Hydebank Wood College and Women’s Prison and preparing a business case for a new Welcome and Visits Centre at Maghaberry Prison.

"Prison is a community within a wall where people live, work and visit. Long term investment in its infrastructure is therefore essential to support rehabilitation, enhance independence and improve safety for staff and the people placed in the care of the Prison Service," Minister Long concluded.