Minister opens new multi-million Loughan House facilities

The Minister for Justice Dermot Ahern visited Loughan House Open Prison in Blacklion on Monday of this week together with the Minister for Agriculture, Brendan Smith, and he officially opened the new multi-million recreational, educational and work training facilities. The prison can now accommodate 150 prisoners with the opening of the modern 60-bed extension. 'I am very impressed by all the wonderful facilities I have seen here in Loughan house today and while it is an open prison, people are still deprived of their freedom. It is fitting that we provide the best facilities possible because there is a necessity for rehabilitation,' said the Minister. The complete expansion and enhancement work over the past three years represents an investment of around €40 million according to the governor Martin Reilly. In terms of sports facilities there is a gymnasium, the new Astro turf pitch and handball alley come squash court. The sporting facilities are also available to the local community. The programme of works included improved security facilities, new visiting area and repairs and improvements to the existing prison building, including a complete re-roofing job. Minister Ahern also revealed that the number of people going through the courts system and conviction rates in the country are at an all-time high. He was confident with the assistance given to prisoners in Loughan House by the staff and teachers, that they will have a good future 'is they so desire themselves'. 'They will have good skills that will afford them the ability to re-integrate into society,' said the Minister. The overall aim is to help the men cope with their sentences, prepare for their release back to their families and communities and to encourage them on a journey of lifelong learning and enjoyment. Minister Ahern thanked the inspector of prisons, Judge Michael Reilly, for the important role he carries out by inspecting all the prisons. He also thanked the prison visiting committee for their enlightened approach. The Minister also thanked the local clergy for providing spiritual guidance to the prisoners on an ongoing basis. The assistant governor, Pat Kavanagh told revealed that the prisoners do very well in the education classes. Some of the courses even afford prisoners supervisory employment when they leave the prison. Brian Purcell, director of the Prison Service told The Anglo-Celt said the facilities including the accommodation, the workshop and educational facilities were excellent. It is now new single room accommodation and is akin to student accommodation and all of this represents a major investment in the future of Loughan House. The governor of Loughan House Martin Reilly said he was delighted that the new facilities were in place and he also welcome the increase in capacity. The working and training facilities really enhance the way forward for prisoners before they are released. Local Fianna Fáil Cllr. John Paul Feeley also welcomed the official opening of an extension to Loughan House Prison. 'Loughan House is a significant resource to the community, it is an example of decentralisation working effectively, it is the most cost effective prison in the state and this extension secures its future,' he said. 'Loughan House is a significant contributor to the economic life of West Cavan and the broader region, employing prison officers, support staff and those who work for the VEC in Loughan dealing with training and education. Not only that but the facilities, particularly the all-weather sports field and gymnasium are used by the local sports clubs including my own club, Shannon Gaels,' said Cllr. Feeley. 'Equally important is the social contribution made by Loughan House staff to the area, many of them are heavily involved in the lives of their community and make a crucial input into the area,' he concluded.