Prison officers today picketed at the gates Mountjoy Prison and St Patrick's Institution over the closure of Shangangh Castle open prison.
The action was unofficial, and though not endorsed by the Prison Officers Association (POA), general secretary, Mr John Clinton, said the action was "understandable".
The prison, which many regarded as the most forward and successful of the State's penal institutions, was closed at the end of the year, following a decision by the Minister for Justice, Mr Michael Mc Dowell, to sell the property in Shankill, Co Dublin to pay for other justice reforms.
Mr Clinton said there was "no justification" for the closure as Shanganagh was the only 'step-down' facility in the State.
"There is anger and disappointment at the decision and it is understandable because of all the years of work that has been put in by the officers," Mr Clinton said.
He also said a number of officers had not yet been reassigned, while others were being moved to prisons miles from where they lived without any consultation.
"The POA took a strong line with the minister but regrettably, we weren't listened to," Mr Clinton said.
The open prison housed around 1,000 16 - 24 year-olds and served as a last stop before young offenders were released back into the community on a full-time basis.