Press release
Minister Flanagan expresses concern over fire at Midlands Prison
Published on
Last updated on
Published on
Last updated on
The Minister for Justice and Equality, Charlie Flanagan TD, has expressed concern over a fire which broke out at Midlands prison in Portlaoise last night.
The Minister said: “I have been informed by the Irish Prison Service that a fire took place in the attic of the E Division of Midlands Prison last night. Thankfully no one was injured and I commend the fire brigade and all those who responded to the fire in order to extinguish it. I am also reassured by the confirmation I have received from the IPS that all relevant safety systems worked as expected. Some non-residential areas of the Division have however been damaged.
I understand power has been restored to many of the affected areas and I know the IPS are working to keep disruptions for prisoners to a minimum. I am of course concerned that the fire broke out in the first place. Early indications suggest the fire started as a result of an electrical wiring fault however I am expecting a full report on the incident from the Irish Prison Service in due course.”
ENDS