Minister for Justice announces a proposal to build a bridge connecting Ringaskiddy to the prison on Spike Island.
Ireland's only island prison looks set to lose its status with the construction of a bridge. Spike Island re-opened as a prison in 1985 and currently houses one hundred prisoners.
Minister for Justice John O’Donoghue announced this week that the Irish Prison Service would conduct a feasibility study into the building of a bridge to link Spike Island with the mainland.
Governor of Fort Mitchel Prison Finbar O’Leary is in favour of the proposed bridge. In his opinion it makes sense from a practical and economic point of view.
If the bridge proceeds as planned, it could lead to an expansion of the number of prison spaces on Spike Island.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 25 May 2000. The reporter is Paschal Sheehy.
