McClarty urges Minister to keep Magilligan Prison on present site
Ulster Unionist East Londonderry assembly member, David McClarty, has urged Prisons Minister Shaun Woodward to safeguard the future of Magilligan Prison on its present site.
The future of Magilligan is currently being considered by the Prison Service as part of a wider review of the prison estates strategy following an independent Efficiency Review of the Prison Service published in June of last year.
Speaking following a visit by the Minister to the County Londonderry jail on Monday, Mr. McClarty said: “Mr. Woodward says he has been impressed by the operation of the prison and the rehabilitation work being undertaken there.
“He should also realise the consequences to the region if the prison does not continue to function on its existing site.
“The impact on the local economy of relocating Magilligan Prison would be devastating and I hope that now the Minister has seen the success of the facility at first hand, he will is persuaded that it would make much more sense economically to modernise and develop the existing site.
“The Limavady and Coleraine areas depend heavily on the prison being operational at Magilligan. It provides vital employment and brings much needed revenue into both areas. The services industry would also suffer adversely if the prison were to be relocated.”
Mr. McClarty said the dedication and professionalism of prison staff over the past 30 years ensured the facility had earned a glowing reputation for their work in the rehabilitation of offenders. He expressed his hope that the staff would remain in employment at the same location.