§ MR. O'MALLEYTo ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland if he will state the number of persons detained for one or more nights in the Clifden Bridewell during the last twelve months; what is the annual cost in connection with this bridewell; and whether, in view of the fact that criminals can now be quickly conveyed to Galway Gaol by train, he will consider the desirability of closing the establishment or selling it.
(Answered by Mr. Bryce.) The number of persons detained for one or more nights in the Clifden Bridewell during the last twelve months was twenty-one. The estimated cost of maintaining the bridewell is £68. The whole of this sum would not be saved by closing, the bridewell, as there would necessarily be a larger expenditure than at present for the escort and conveyance of prisoners to and from Galway Prison which is fifty miles from Clifden; and, in addition, the detention of police escorts in Galway for the night would be necessitated. The question whether it may be possible to close the bridewell will, however, be considered.