Kildare TD and former soldier gives his thoughts on possibility of The Curragh military prison reopening

A County Kildare TD and former soldier has given his thoughts on the possibility of The Curragh military prison reopening.

It was reported by TheJournal.ie earlier this week that a Department of Justice spokesperson has confirmed that The Curragh facility was being examined by Minister Helen McEntee and her officials. 

In the late 1990s The Curragh Prison was taken over by the Irish Prison Service, and before that, it was formerly the Military Detention Unit, dating from 1869.

The site acted as a civilian prison until 2003.

The Leinster Leader asked Independent TD Dr Cathal Berry, who previously served as a Commandant in the Armed Ranger Wing, about his views on the matter.

Dr Berry TD responded: "(I have) no objection to the principle of the prison being occupied again as it was previously used by the Irish Prison Service in the past.

"There would be some practical issues that would need to be addressed in advance though.

"There are about 65 cells in total in the complex, but the Prison Service will need to spend some money to bring them up to an acceptable standard."

He continued: "Supervised visiting protocols will also have to be agreed with the Defence Forces to ensure that visitors aren’t allowed wander around a busy operational military facility prior to and after their visit."

"So, no objection to the principle of this proposal once the practical issues are worked through and the Defence Forces consent to handing the facility over again," Dr Berry TD concluded.