Court Accommodation
Dail Éireann — 2025-10-09
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William Aird (FG), Laois

Will the Minister acknowledge that the Midlands Prison is located in Portlaoise? He knows what happens in a courthouse, and the logistics involved in bringing prisoners down from a prison of that size twice a week. That is why I asked if it can be done. As the Minister stated, the site has been secured. The need is obvious and the benefits are evident. I urge the Minister to prioritise the immediate provision of funding in order that the construction of a new courthouse in Portlaoise can commence without delay. We must deliver a courthouse that meets the needs of the 21st century. I emphasise the fact that the Midlands Prison is located in Portlaoise. I thank all the people who work there caring for those in that facility every day of the week. Friends of mine work there. From a logistics point of view, vans, security and gardaí are needed. If there was a new facility, we would need less than a quarter of staff who currently accompany the prisoners from the Midlands Prison. That is why there is an urgent case to make today.

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Record URI: https://data.oireachtas.ie/akn/ie/debateRecord/dail/2025-10-09/debate/main
Retrieved: 2026-09-14T01:01:01+00:00
Sitting date: 2025-10-09