Ford confirms plans to close Magilligan Prison
JUSTICE Minister David Ford has confirmed that proposals to close Magilligan Prison in Londonderry are being put forward.
The prison service plans to build a replacement facility, closer to Belfast, as part of a raft of proposals which could be implemented from 2018.
In a statement released yesterday evening – shortly after a BBC news report – Mr Ford acknowledged the impact of the prison’s closure on the local community.
“The strategy proposes that a new medium security prison should be developed in a central location and Magilligan Prison decommissioned from 2018 onwards,” said the minister.
“I understand this may be of concern to staff and the local community. I will be consulting all interested stakeholders before finalising any approach.
“In conjunction with ongoing work by my department to reduce the prison population, we intend to keep the strategy under review. Following appropriate consideration by the Justice Committee, I intend that the strategy will be offered for public consultation in the coming weeks.”
DUP chairman of the Justice Committee Paul Givan voiced his opposition, saying “my constituents will question if it is appropriate to spend £250m on improving facilities for criminals at a time when hospitals and schools are facing pressures”.
His party colleague Gregory Campbell added: “This facility provides crucial employment in that community and such concerns should be to the forefront of this Alliance minister’s mind as he considers the strategy.”
