Midlands 103

Search

Listen Live

On Air Now

Noon - 3:00pm

The Afternoon Show

Niall Horan

No Judgement

Midlands Prison Has Highest Number Of Weapon Seizures In The Country

Wednesday, 8 April 2020 09:35

The number of inmates arrested in jail last year rose by 23 per cent.

More than 1,500 weapons and mobile phones were seized in Irish prisons last year.

And the number of inmates arrested in jail last year rose by 23 per cent.

The Irish Prison Service says 540 weapons were seized in 12 jails across the state in 2019.

The highest amount was in Midlands Prison in Portlaoise, at 132, five more than in Wheatfield Prison in Dublin.

Castlerea Prison in Roscommon was next highest, at 80.

However, the total number of weapons seized in the 12 jails was down 19 per cent on the year before, when 664 were recovered.

But the number of mobile phones seized in 2019 rose marginally compared to the year before.

There were 964 of them taken from inmates – a rise of two – with by far the most being in Wheatfield Prison, at 309.

Meanwhile, 122 prisoners were arrested in jail last year – up from 99 in 2018.

More from Midlands News

Hugh Wallace Dies Age 68

Hugh was a director and co-founder of architecture firm, Douglas Wallace Consultants.
Electric Picnic Announces Nine Acts For The 2026 Festival

The event is taking place from August 28th to 30th.
Laois Gardaí Seize Over €3k Of Suspected Stolen Goods

The authorities were operating under Operation Táirge.
Midlands Singer Songwriter Releases Christmas Classic

Simon Casey's 'Silent Night' is available now.
Gardaí Appeal For Help Locating Missing Engagement Ring In Offaly

The ring was lost between the 24th and 26th of November.
TD Claims Laois Is Overlooked In Latest National Development Plan

The National Development Plan was launched in July.
Midland’s Groups Scoop Three Wins At National Climate Ambassador Awards

The Programme is delivered by An Taisce’s Climate Action Team.
Gardai Attend Scene Of Crash In Laois

The incident took place this morning.
Bluetongue Threatens Irish Livestock Production - IFA

The virus has been detected in two cows in the country.
Midlands Ireland Lands Double Award Success

The group is being recognised for its success in delivering STEM education.
Home Care Provider Creates New Caregiver Jobs In Laois Amid Rising Demand

Dovida is providing both flexible and set-hours roles to suit applicants’ individual needs.
Alex Dunne Is Ignored By The Irish Sporting Organisations -John Clendennen

The 20 year old is one of the brightest young talents in motorsport.
Nearly 9k Midlands Horses Recorded Midlands In Latest Equine Census

Westmeath has the highest number in the midlands.
IFA Warns Of ‘Seismic’ Impact On Young Farmers If Nitrates Derogation Ends

A vote on the issue is scheduled for December 9th.
Westmeath Council Gender Pay Gap Favouring Women In 2025 Report

The report found women earning almost 2% more than men.
MEPs Move To Shield Beef Sector As Fears Grow Over Mercosur Trade Deal

Cowen and Carberry are tabling two amendments to boost protections for the beef sector.
Homelessness Continues To Rise In Midlands

220 adults accessed emergency accommodation in October.
New Offaly Initiative Aims To Stop Smoking And Vaping Near Children

The campaign encourages adults to be mindful of their behaviour in outdoor spaces used by young people.
Green Light For Westmeath All Weather Pitches

Permission for the works has been granted by Westmeath County Council.
€1.4m Funding Going Towards Midlands Community Groups

€12.3m has been announced altogether for the Clár Programme.

Download Our App

Never miss a moment from Midlands 103