A new sensory garden aiming to make life easier for children visiting parents or loved ones in prison has been officially opened in Wheatfield Prison in Dublin.
The garden, which will be open to all children including those who are diagnosed with autism or another neuro-diverse condition, was launched by Minister for Justice Simon Harris.
The garden is located at the front of the prison and combines nature, interactive items and educational tools.
It includes the work of prisoners themselves and was developed in conjunction with both the Irish Prison Service and child psychotherapists and play therapists.
Speaking at the official opening of the garden on Monday, Wheatfield Prison's assistant governor Amanda Sutton said the aim of the garden is to provide a calming and safe space for children who may feel frightened at the prospect of a visit to a prison.
She said suitable prisoners were granted the opportunity to work on developing the space under the supervision of Work Training Officers, while others developed the items in the garden in prison workshops.
Minister Harris said the project underlines the need to ensure the loved ones of prisoners are treated with kindness and respect during at times difficult visits to prisons.
He said it should also be seen as a reminder that many prisoners can use their time in incarceration to turn their life around and realise skills that they may not have been aware of through their work on the sensory garden site.
