Limerick Prison is to undergo a multi-million pound refurbishment and extension. Planning permission will be sought shortly to carry out the work early next year. The development, costing £7m-£8m, will provide 60 extra places.
Limerick is the oldest operational prison in the State that has not been modernised, according to the governor, Mr Pat Laffan. There are around 215 male and 11 female prisoners there at present.
The improvements will include the demolition of the governor's house. The prison dates back to 1816 and was officially opened in 1821.