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Up to 200 extra prison spaces have been added to the State's capacity after a new accommodation block was opened at Portlaoise Prison today.

The new facility, which increases the prison's capacity to 300, includes 60 double cells, 75 single cells and a three single cell area for vulnerable prisoners. It also incorporates an education unit and a new library.

Minister for Justice Dermot Ahern said the new block was part of a wider investment programme in additional prison places being rolled out this year.

A new block with accommodation for about 200 prisoners is also planned for Wheatfield Prison in Dublin,  while the refurbished separation unit in Mountjoy will provide an additional 50 spaces.

The new projects are part of an attempt to address overcrowding in the prison system.