Jail revamp cpuld be axed in spending cuts

PLANS to build a multi-million pound new prison at Magilligan could be scrapped because of severe spending cuts at Westminster, according to Justice Minister David Ford.

Doubts about whether the project will go ahead surfaced after comments made by the Minister on his first official visit to the Limavady Borough based jail last week.

David Ford arrived at the County Londonderry site to launch the Prison Service's 'Learning and Skills Strategy' for the next three years. The Minister was met by prison chiefs and taken on a tour of the 42 acre site including the 'H' Blocks where he spoke with inmates. When asked by the Sentinel about the future of the 200 million pound jail, due to begin construction next year, the Minister said he was unsure if and when work would go ahead.

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Minster Ford said: "The answer is I don't know. At the moment the business case is being prepared. What I do know is that there is clearly a case for renewing the building and providing better facilities at Magilligan.

"Spending and cuts is an issue at Westminster at present. But I will make the case robustly to my colleagues at the Executive to call for the provision of better accommodation here at the prison. Ultimately it is up to the Executive."

In 2007 Security Minster Paul Goggins announced that a new multi-million pound jail was to replace the existing prison. Construction work had been earmarked for 2011/12 on a "phased" basis. It was hoped the multi-million pound replacement would have been completed by 2015. Just two weeks ago the Sentinel revealed comments made by Prison Service Director Robin Masefield over possible delays in building work. On Wednesday the Justice Minster described his "first ever visit" to the Limavady jail as very positive and complimented the standard of rehabilitation work being carried out by staff there.

"This would be my first ever visit to Magilligan prison - official or otherwise, and I am very impressed with the positive work being carried done by staff. The level of staff engagement into the rehabilitation of prisoners into society is excellent."

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Minister Ford also revealed that over the last three years, each prisoner who attended Magilligan's Foyleview Resettlement Unit, has not returned to prison after serving their sentence.

"That is an amazing statistic and when you look at that you can say that yes rehabilitation does work. Ultimately this type of provision is helping in the effort to cut crime."

A NI Prison Service spokesperson described the status of the new prsion's business case as "ongoing."

"Work on preparing the outline business case for the redevelopment of Magilligan Prison is ongoing but ultimately it will be for the Executive to determine spending priorities in respect of major capital projects."

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