Prison Service plans to develop two areas beside Wheatfield to improve facilities
By Maurice Garvey
THE Irish Prison Service has submitted a proposal to develop two parcels of land adjoining Wheatfield prison on the Cloverhill Road.
A submission on behalf of the IPS, was one of 98 submissions received by Dublin City Council in relation to the Cherry Orchard Local Area Plan, which the city council are preparing as an objective under the current city development plan
Wheatfield Prison plans for future
The IPS has expressed an interest in the development of the two plots of land adjoining Wheatfield prison (to the east of St Oliver’s and Bridgeview), which they feel can be developed into facilities to benefit both the prison and the local community.
IPS envisage that if the St Oliver’s Community Centre site, which adjoins these two plots, were to become available in the future, it could become part of the overall development of the lands as part of a partnership with the community.
A strip of derelict land adjoining the M50 has been identified by the IPS as a place of interest for recreational purposes such as walking and running trails and horticulture which would be open to the public.
The proposal said: “With over 800 staff of all grades and profession, it is submitted that this proposal would rejuvenate the area and enhance the physical appearance of the area and create a vibrant space.”
The IPS have requested that a security buffer area is considered as part of future proposals in proximity to the prison – highlighting vacant areas in proximity prison boundaries, which have tended to attract “some criminal activity.”
Higher degree of security
By securing boundaries where possible and applying a higher degree of security, the IPS feel it will be possible to eradicate practices such as “attempted conveyance of contraband.”
When contacted by The Echo, a spokesperson for IPS said: “The consultation process regarding the Park West-Cherry Orchard Local Area Plan is being managed by Dublin City Council.
“As you are aware the IPS has participated in the process by means of a submission which is in the public domain, all the information current available is contained in this submission.
“Pending the next phase of the process which is expected later this year the IPS will not be making any further comment on the matter.”
