Call for advanced anti-drone netting at all prisons

The Irish Penal Reform Trust is calling for nationwide installation of advanced anti-drone netting in all Irish prisons to prevent drugs from entering facilities and causing harm. This recommendation follows an overdose incident at Midlands Prison in Portlaoise on Friday, where a prisoner remains hospitalized after drug ingestion. Drugs were reportedly delivered to the prison yard via drone, leading to two prison officers being attacked.

Saoirse Brady, Executive Director of the Irish Penal Reform Trust, stated that advanced netting has proven effective in Wheatfield and Mountjoy prisons. However, she emphasized that prison yards have been breached by individuals cutting holes in existing nets. The potent drugs used in the Midlands Prison overdoses caused severe reactions in unsuspecting inmates, highlighting the need for enhanced protection measures.

Advanced anti-drone netting is expensive but has proven effective in reducing drug infiltration. The Irish government has allocated over €5 million for targeted installation of these nets within high-risk prison areas. The trust maintains that this technology must be extended across all prison facilities to ensure comprehensive safety.

Overcrowding exacerbates the challenge of monitoring and controlling drug use within prisons. With 1,062 inmates currently housed at Midlands Prison, which has a capacity for 891, maintaining order becomes increasingly difficult. Drug-related conflicts can create significant tensions, as drugs may be concealed and used internally, leading to harmful consequences.

Brady called for improved CPR and First Aid training for prison staff to better respond to drug-related emergencies. Additionally, a public awareness campaign targeting inmates is essential to prevent future drug-related incidents.