Menu
18/12/2007
New Prison For Magilligan As Inmate Numbers Rise
Security Minister Paul Goggins has made the widely expected announcement that a new jail will be built at the site of the existing Magilligan Prison near Coleraine.
He said today that the new prison will house 800 inmates and will cost about £215m to build.
In addition, another £70m will be spent on providing a further 400 extra places at both Magilligan and Lisburn's Maghaberry prisons.
Even that won't be enough as the Government forecasts that the prison population here could be as high as 2,700 by 2022.
Commenting, Mr Goggins said it may therefore be necessary to build a third adult male prison in Northern Ireland in the future.
The facts are stark. Seven years ago, following the early prisoner releases under the Good Friday Agreement, there were fewer than 900 prisoners in Northern Ireland.
But recently, the figure was just over 1,500 and that is expected to rise to more than 1,600 within two years – and hit the predicted 2,700 within 15 years.
"The plans I have announced today will meet the immediate need for extra prison places and will see a brand new prison built on the site of the existing Magilligan Prison," he said.
Although the location of the jail is not the government's ideal choice, it is what it can afford.
The existing jail on the site was built in 1972 and the accommodation consists of a combination of H-blocks, WWII Nissan huts and portable huts.
Its remote location means access is a problem. The site is 71 miles from Belfast, where a majority of prisoners in Northern Ireland come from.
(BMcC)
He said today that the new prison will house 800 inmates and will cost about £215m to build.
In addition, another £70m will be spent on providing a further 400 extra places at both Magilligan and Lisburn's Maghaberry prisons.
Even that won't be enough as the Government forecasts that the prison population here could be as high as 2,700 by 2022.
Commenting, Mr Goggins said it may therefore be necessary to build a third adult male prison in Northern Ireland in the future.
The facts are stark. Seven years ago, following the early prisoner releases under the Good Friday Agreement, there were fewer than 900 prisoners in Northern Ireland.
But recently, the figure was just over 1,500 and that is expected to rise to more than 1,600 within two years – and hit the predicted 2,700 within 15 years.
"The plans I have announced today will meet the immediate need for extra prison places and will see a brand new prison built on the site of the existing Magilligan Prison," he said.
Although the location of the jail is not the government's ideal choice, it is what it can afford.
The existing jail on the site was built in 1972 and the accommodation consists of a combination of H-blocks, WWII Nissan huts and portable huts.
Its remote location means access is a problem. The site is 71 miles from Belfast, where a majority of prisoners in Northern Ireland come from.
(BMcC)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
19 March 2013
New Prison To Be Built At Magilligan Site
A new prison is to be built in County Londonderry, the BBC has reported. It is understood the build will be located at Magilligan. Last year, a consultation process into the prison's future was carried out. The Prison Service had wanted to replace the building with a new jail closer to Belfast.
New Prison To Be Built At Magilligan Site
A new prison is to be built in County Londonderry, the BBC has reported. It is understood the build will be located at Magilligan. Last year, a consultation process into the prison's future was carried out. The Prison Service had wanted to replace the building with a new jail closer to Belfast.
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.
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 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.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A cloudy day with outbreaks of mainly light rain at times, although there may be the odd heavier burst. Driest in the south and east during the afternoon. Moderate southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:Staying cloudy throughout the evening and overnight period with a little rain or drizzle at times. Mild overnight with light winds. Minimum temperature 7 °C.
