PRESENTATION OUTLINE
-PortLaoise Prison-
PortLaoise Prison is Ireland's one and only high security prison. It was opened in 1830 and was called Maryborough Gaol until 1929. This prison was used by the British as a prison for the Irish Midlands.
Prison Stats:
-PortLaoise, Co. Laois
-Maximum Security
-Capacity: 399
Population: 119 (2009)
-Opened: 1830
-Govner: Ethel Gavin
With the prison being built in 1830, this makes it the oldest prison in Ireland. The prison also has a history of having many convicted IRA members.
Today the majority of inmates are criminals convicted of violent crimes or drug related crimes. Many are in for life such as a few convicted IRA members.
Even though the prison has a maximum capacity of 399 prisoners only 119 (2009) prisoners are currently staying there due to the fact that the prison is high security.
-Break Outs-
•In 1974 19 IRA members escaped the prison in broad daylight.
•In 1975 in an attempted escape a gun fight broke out and one IRA member was killed.
•In 1985 an IRA breakout with a bomb failed.
-Controversies-
•In the 1970s and 1980s the government faced criticism for the harsh treatment of inmates and many in mates went on hunger strike.
•In 2007 an inmate called into RTE Radio to defend himself. Due to this incident there was a major contraband crackdown in all Irish Prisons.
-Notable Inmates-
•John Gilligan
•James Lynchehaun
•James McCann
•Michael McKevitt
