Drones delivering contraband intensify Irish prison tensions

Inmates in Irish prisons are increasingly receiving drugs, weapons, and phones via drones delivered to their cell windows. Prison officers are concerned that a gun might be smuggled into the facilities, raising safety fears among staff. The Prison Officers’ Association (POA) warns that the prison system is nearing a breaking point, with ongoing overcrowding contributing to rising tensions. This year, there have been several attacks on prison staff. Gabriel Keaveny, the deputy general secretary of the POA, expressed alarm over the situation, stating that a major incident could lead to a system collapse. Organized crime groups are coordinating these drone deliveries by using inmates' phones to provide specific coordinates for their cells. Some drones have been used to drop packages of weapons and drugs directly into the prisons, exacerbating existing issues of contraband. In one case, an inmate at Mountjoy prison was seen seizing a drone package after it crashed into the window. The overcrowding crisis is at an unprecedented level. Currently, the Irish prison system is operating at 113 percent capacity, with over 5,200 inmates in facilities designed to hold around 4,534. Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan has acknowledged this issue but faces criticism for not adequately addressing the root causes of overcrowding. Additionally, the increasing supply of contraband is leading to more bullying within prison walls. Notable incidents of violence, such as a severe attack on a prison officer with a knife, have raised further concerns about safety and order inside the jails. With the growing number of inmates and the ongoing challenges posed by contraband and violence, prison officials are calling for an urgent increase in capacity to prevent potential crises in the future. The Irish Prison Service has reported a budget increase aimed at expanding prison capacity, but there is skepticism over whether these measures will be sufficient to address the current challenges.