TikTok influencer under investigation after breaking into old Cork prison – Homepage

Olivia Kelleher

The Irish Prison Service (IPS) has confirmed that it is aware of an incident of “unlawful entry” onto the grounds of the former Cork Prison and is assisting the Gardaí with their investigations.

In a video posted on TikTok, a man can be seen filming a walk through the old prison, which he describes as one of the most abandoned facilities of its kind he has ever seen.

The social media influencer behind the post specializes in visiting abandoned buildings.

An IPS statement said the incident had been reported to the Gardaí.

“We are assisting them with their investigations. The Prison Service takes the security of all facilities within the prison grounds very seriously. However, we do not comment on security or operational matters.

“For safety reasons, the public is advised not to attempt to enter the former prison. Any such incidents will be reported to the Gardaí.”

“Regarding the future of the site, IPS has indicated that technical consultants are carrying out a detailed assessment of the facility to provide a feasibility report on the site.

“They will then examine options for potential short, medium and long-term use.”

The IPS statement also highlights the poor condition of the prison at the time of its closure eight years ago.

“It is important to acknowledge that several reports, including those of the Inspector of Prisons and the CPT and the 2012 Cork Prison Feasibility Study, identified serious deficiencies in the physical conditions of the former prison and significant health and safety concerns at the time, which led to the closure of the facility at that time and the construction of a new prison.”

Meanwhile, the old Cork Prison was closed in 2016. It was originally built in 1806 by the British Army as a prison as part of the Victoria Barracks.

A new prison was built on Rathmore Road in Cork in 2016 for €45 million. The feasibility report for the old site is “expected shortly”.