New Women's Prison Facility Under Construction

Work has begun on a new facility on the Hydebank Wood site in Belfast for women prisoners who are nearing the end of their sentence.

The two-storey house includes six bedrooms, communal living, dining and kitchen areas, as well as family and group rooms.

Construction work began in January and is due to be completed in August this year.

Responding to an Assembly question on the development at Hydebank Wood, Justice Minister David Ford said: "The new stepdown facility will house up to six female prisoners nearing the end of their sentence and prepare them for return to the community.

"As part of the prisons reform programme, it will support the individual's progress by enhancing employment opportunities on their return to the community. Prison officers will work to encourage responsibility and self-esteem, placing appropriate levels of trust and support prior to release.

"This arrangement has operated successfully for prisoners in Northern Ireland for a number of years.The dedicated facility improves our capacity to assess and manage risk as prisoners return to the community."

Director General of the Prison Service, Sue McAllister said: "This is an important milestone for females in custody where they can be tested before they return to the community. Preparing people to successfully reintegrate back into the wider community is a key role of the Prison Service and is one of the ways we can help to build a safer Northern Ireland."

Hydebank Wood Governor Austin Treacy added: "The new stepdown facility will be a significant addition to our female accommodation at Hydebank Wood. Pre-release preparations and community testing will be enhanced when it is completed this summer. It allows for a more normal environment whilst still having controls in place."

(IT/MH)