Overcrowding in prisons across the country allowing gangs to 'thrive'

THE PRESIDENT OF the Irish Prison Officers Association (POA) has said that overcrowding in prisons is a “national scandal” and that dire conditions are allowing gangs and “bullies” to “thrive”. 

Speaking at the POA annual delegate conference in Kilkenny last night, Peter Redmond said that there are now a record 5909 prisoners in custody (according to the latest figures released in March), despite the fact  that Ireland’s prisons only hold capacity for 4736 people. 

“This represents a shortfall of 1173 bed spaces,” he said. 

“Overcrowding allows the bullies and gangs to thrive and ensures that the vulnerable prisoner becomes even more vulnerable,” Redmond added. 

He further said that the level of intimidation, violence, and the availability of contraband including drugs and weapons continues to increase as a result of overcrowding. 

Redmond highlighted that while the prison population has doubled over the last five years, just one new prison has been built in that time. 

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“Successive governments have failed us and the prisoners we are supposedly rehabilitating.

“The Midlands prison for example has a bed capacity of 891, there are 1,128 prisoners in custody there today and 160 prisoners sleeping on a cell floor – is this progress? No, It’s neglect and a lack of interest and real commitment,” he said. 

Redmond stressed the need for independent living units for longterm prisoners who are nearing the end of their sentences, and looking towards rebuilding their lives upon their release. 

He said that though the POA recognises this need, it strongly disagrees with single occupancy units being constructed at Mountjoy prison at a time when it is over capacity by 324 prisoners. 

Redmond said that Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan is responsible for improving the conditions in prisons, but that during his tenure to date, only 70 new bed spaces have come on stream. 

Today POA delegates will have discussions on the increase in violence in Irish prisons recorded in 2025, and the increasing levels of direct assaults on members of their workforce. 

The POA has over 3,200 members and represents staff from across all 17 prisons and places of detention across the country. 

The organisation’s annual conference will take place today and tomorrow in Kilkenny, with motions expected on overcrowding levels and the need to protect officers from incidents of violence. 

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