New virtual prison tour launched alongside major prison service recruitment campaign
The web-based tool allows visitors, service users, and the wider public to explore an Irish prison, guided by a digitally created prison officer. The project aims to increase public understanding of how prisons function day to day.
Justice minister Jim O'Callaghan has also launched a new recruitment campaign, targeting 300 new staff for the Irish Prison Service.
Mr O'Callaghan said he hopes the virtual tour will encourage people to consider a career in the prison service.
The virtual experience includes overlaid audiovisual information about what to expect when visiting a prison and provides 360° tours of one Irish Prison Service location.
Mr O'Callaghan said: 'This innovative project will greatly enhance the public's understanding of how our prisons operate. It can also serve as a positive recruitment tool to provide those contemplating a career as a prison officer with the ability to tour their future workplace.'
The primary objective of the initiative is to deliver an informative and educational virtual tour that broadens public understanding while strictly protecting security-sensitive aspects of prison operations.
The tool was created to ensure no confidential or operational security information is compromised, and it is also designed to ease visitor apprehension by providing a realistic yet controlled preview of the prison environment.
Caron McCaffrey, Director General of the Irish Prison Service said: "The incredible work of Prison Officers is complex and often hidden from public view, but our annual competition and the launch of the virtual tour allow us the opportunity to let the public see the teamwork, integrity, potential, safety and support that Prison Officers not only offer to prisoners, but to their colleagues as well.
"I wish to commend all those involved in delivering the Virtual Tour, an innovative and informative project that highlights the professionalism and dedication of our staff across the prison estate."
The 2024 recruitment campaign attracted more than 1,500 applicants, resulting in 271 prison officers joining the Irish Prison Service. The 2025 Recruit Prison Officer Competition will remain open until early August.
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