The new accommodation block includes 60 double cells and 75 single cells with in-cell sanitation, plus a three single cell area for vulnerable prisoners. This has increased the overall capacity of the prison to 300.
'The provision of these facilities represents just one aspect of the major prisons capital programme funded by the Government,' Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform Dermot Ahern said at the opening of 'C' Block.
'This new block in Portlaoise is part of an investment programme in additional prison places being rolled out this year.'
Along with the increased accommodation the new block also includes an education unit and a new library.
In addition to the new block at Portlaoise, current prison developments will provide a potential 250 further prison spaces in the country by the end of this year.
