Report calls for demolition of 'unsafe' prison buildings
A new report has recommended that H-blocks at Magilligan Prison in Belfast should be demolished because they are unsafe and unsanitary.
The report, carried out by HM Chief Inspector of Prisons and Criminal Justice Inspection Northern Ireland, following an unannounced visit to the Co Londonderry prison, stated that the poor accommodation and limited role of residential staff are preventing the prison from performing as well as it could.
Kit Chivers, chief inspector of Criminal Justice in Northern Ireland, said that the time for the demolition of the H-blocks was now overdue.
He said: "This recommendation was made at the time of the last inspection in 2004, but it still has not happened and it needs to.
"The Magilligan site, with its collection of Nissen huts and random, often unsuitable buildings needs to be redeveloped if the prison is to remain there."
The inspection report recognised that while good work was taking place in specialist units, elsewhere within the prison there was virtually no personal officer work taking place and little prisoner confidence in the complaints system.
Mr Chivers said: "Inspectors found relationships were essentially reactive and fewer prisoners than in 2004 reported there was a member of staff they could turn to if they had a problem."
The report also noted that more prisoners than in 2004 reported feeling unsafe and this included two-thirds of vulnerable prisoners. In general, inspectors found that bullying was not well-identified or dealt with.
The report showed work in relation to the resettlement of prisoners continued to be strong. Most prisoners had resettlement plans and family liaison provisions were good.
Kit Chivers said: "Inspectors found many local agencies were involved in service provision, and there was some extremely supportive work in relation to substance use."
Overall, the inspection report found Magilligan Prison was making progress after a difficult period against the backdrop of inadequate, unsuitable facilities.
"Changing the built environment is key to unlocking the potential of the prison and its staff. The task for prison managers and for the Northern Ireland Prison Service is to ensure that the whole prison is directed towards its training and resettlement role," said Mr Chivers.
The unannounced follow-up inspection was carried out between May 10-19 this year.
Magilligan Prison was opened in 1972 and currently operates as a training prison.
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