Jim O'Callaghan and Caron McCaffrey

The Rowan House yard extension project supports the minister’s commitment under the National Development Plan to boost capital investment, increase prison capacity and develop a modern fit-for-purpose prison estate. It is a key part of an extensive prison building programme to deliver over 1,500 new spaces by 2031.

The development at the Dóchas Centre involves the construction of a two-storey extension to the existing block and will provide accommodation for 52 women, increasing capacity from 172 to 224. The project will commence construction in September 2026, with practical completion expected in Q4 2027.

Mr O’Callaghan said: “Today marks a significant step forward with the signing of the Rowan House contract at the Dóchas Centre. This project will deliver 52 additional spaces, increasing overall capacity from 172 to 224 spaces. The expansion represents a key component of our ongoing capital investment to directly alleviate overcrowding and ensure a safer, more rehabilitative environment within our prisons.

“This is a key project in the largest ever building programme in the prison estate, which will deliver an additional 1,500 prison spaces by 2031. It reflects my determination and commitment to invest in the prison estate, to make our communities safer and to offer meaningful opportunities for rehabilitation.

“This development continues the extensive work being undertaken to confront overcrowding and modernise our prisons.”

Caron McCaffrey, director general of the Irish Prison Service said: “The Rowan House extension is an essential development for the Dóchas Centre. Alongside the new 26 spaces delivered earlier this year, this new project will further strengthen the Centre’s capacity to meet the needs of women in custody.

“For too long, accommodation pressures have placed real strain on the standard of living we aim to provide. This extension will deliver modern, safe and purpose built spaces that support dignity and wellbeing. Today’s contract signing marks an important step in strengthening the infrastructure of the Dóchas Centre for the years ahead.”

Mr O’Callaghan is planning to invest €528 million in the Irish Prison Service from 2026 to 2030, €495 million of which will be invested in building projects. In addition to the extension of the Dóchas Centre the capital programme will include; the construction of a new accommodation block at Cloverhill Prison, an extension of Cork Prison, a new block at Wheatfield, an extension at Midlands Prison and further spaces in Mountjoy and Limerick male prisons.

Mr O’Callaghan also welcomed the publication of the Irish Prison Service’s Annual Report for 2025, which provides an overview of the work of the Irish Prison Service during 2025, with emphasis on the significant challenges presented by sustained overcrowding pressures.

The report highlights the pressure on the prison system during 2025. By 31 December 2025, there were 5,753 people in custody, with a total bed capacity of 4,718, representing 122 per cent of capacity. The daily average number in custody rose to 5,417, an increase of 9.6 per cent, while immigration-related committals more than doubled.

IPS Director General Caron McCaffrey said: “The 2025 Annual Report highlights important progress in expanding capacity, strengthening infrastructure and advancing rehabilitation supports across the prison estate. It also sets out clearly the scale of the pressures facing the prison system, with sustained overcrowding impacting daily operations throughout the year.

“Despite these challenges, staff across all prisons and Directorates continued to work with professionalism and commitment in exceptionally demanding circumstances. I want to acknowledge their dedication, which remains central to the effective operation of the Irish Prison Service.”