AN INVESTIGATION has been launched by the Irish Prison Service (IPS) into alleged assaults on three prison officers at Limerick Prison this past Wednesday (September 10).
The suspect was being committed to the prison at Mulgrave Street in Limerick City when he allegedly lashed out in the reception area, biting two prison officers and punching a third.
The three prison officers were left shaken by the ordeal and required treatment at the prison. One of the officers received treatment in hospital.
An internal probe is underway at the prison into the circumstances of the alleged triple assault.
A prison source said the matter would also be referred to An Garda Síochána for investigation.
The maximum sentence for persons convicted of assaulting or threatening to assault a prison officer in the course of their duty recently increased from seven to 12 years.
A statement released by the Irish Prison Service (IPS) read: “The Irish Prison Service can confirm an incident occurred at Limerick Prison, on 10th September 2025, involving three prison officers.”
“Any act of violence against prison staff is unacceptable,” the IPS said.
“Any criminal acts carried out within our prisons, including an assault on a staff member, are reported to An Garda Síochána for investigation and prosecution.”
The IPS added that “staff who are subject to acts of violence or who witness incidents in our prisons are given comprehensive support through our Staff Support and Employee Assistance Programme”.
The prison service explained that “Section 19 of the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 1994 specifically provides for assaults or threats to peace officers including prison officers acting in the execution of their duty”.
“Any person who assaults or threatens to assault a peace officer in the execution of their duty is guilty of an offence.
“The Criminal Justices (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2023 increased the maximum sentence for assaulting or threatening to assault a peace office from seven to 12 years.”
A major security operation swung into action at the prison on Wednesday to restore calm, sources said.
When contacted for details this Thursday, the Garda Press Office said it was not aware of any alleged assault at the prison on September 10.
“We currently have no recent reports listed for this location. The Prison Service may be better placed to advise if any incidents have been reported,” a Garda spokesman replied.
