Ireland’s prison system is operating “far beyond its limits” with overcrowding reaching unprecedented levels, the Irish Prison Service director general has warned in a stark assessment of the crisis facing the country’s correctional facilities.
Caron McCaffrey revealed that prisoner numbers have surged to 5,581 as of August 13th – representing 120% of maximum capacity – while 496 inmates are now sleeping on mattresses on cell floors, more than six times the January 2024 figure.
The 2024 annual report, published Thursday, shows prisoner numbers rose 6% during the year from 4,696 to 5,001, with the system already operating at 111% capacity by December. The situation has deteriorated rapidly since, with prison managers bracing for further increases when courts resume full operations.
“The past two years have demanded a great deal from the IPS, perhaps more than any point in recent memory,” McCaffrey stated. “We’ve faced a steep rise in committals, longer sentences, and population levels that have stretched our capacity far beyond its limits.”
The crisis has been exacerbated by a staggering 150% increase in inmates sleeping on floor mattresses, reflecting the system’s inability to accommodate the growing population. Key statistics reveal 34% of 2024 commitments came from Dublin, while 12% were homeless individuals.
Mental health pressures are mounting, with 2,537 inmates referred to psychology services and 350 prisoners with serious mental disorders requiring specialist psychiatric care. Education levels remain concerning, with 64% of inmates holding junior certificate qualifications or less.
The annual cost per prisoner jumped 12% from €88,500 to €99,000, while the government allocated €525 million to the service in Budget 2025 – an 18% increase. Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan has committed €495 million under the National Development Plan to build 1,500 additional prison spaces by 2030.