Rooms replace cells as new Limerick Female Prison officially opens

THE new “state-of-the-art” female prison in Limerick city has been fitted out with independent living, apartment-style units for those who are being detained there.

The 56-capacity Limerick Female Prison was officially opened this Wednesday by the Minister for Justice, Helen McEntee. 

The new prison includes units that are being referred to as rooms rather than cells. 48 of the rooms are regular single-bedroom units with ensuites while a further eight are apartment-style rooms for independent living. This is an increase from 28 units in the former prison which was built in 1822.

The independent living units offer prisoners a bedroom area with an ensuite, a sitting area and a kitchen area and is there to help long-term prisoners to readjust to caring for themselves rather than having meals provided for them on a 24/7 basis.

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Speaking at the official opening, Chief Officer at Limerick Prison Shane Kelly said the rehabilitation of female prisoners at the new wing is of utmost importance and that the new facilities being provided at the wing are key to achieving that.

The Limerick Female Prison aims to offer a range of educational, vocational, and therapeutic programs to equip inmates with the necessary tools for a law-abiding life after their release.

These initiatives include educational courses, vocational training, mental health support, addiction counselling, and access to healthcare services.

The accommodation comprises a mixture of bedroom units, some apartment-style units and a mother and baby unit, all with individual en-suites.

Speaking at Limerick Prison, Ms McEntee  commented: “The opening of Limerick Female Prison marks an important step forward in increasing capacity across the prison estate and helping us build stronger, safer communities.

"These additional spaces are necessary to ensure that we have the sufficient space and facilities to support those committed to serve a custodial sentence in an environment that is safe and has the space and capacity to focus on rehabilitation."

There are currently 51 prisoners serving time at Limerick Female Prison.

Since female prisoners have been living in the new Limerick Female Prison, the quality of life of the prisoners has increased and according to Mr Kelly, there has been a noticeable drop in bad behaviour, instances of frustration and self-harm.

“The standard living units in Limerick Female Prison could be a lot more than some of these women have ever had in their lives. It is the best some of them have ever had,” Mr Kelly said emphasising the need for rehabilitation rather than punishment.

“It’s all about reset, help them get better and help them build better skills for when they are released,” he added.