New figures reveal that there are around 80 Clare people in prison and a further 250 on probation, at any one time.
The data was highlighted at the launch of a new premises in Ennis for the Bedford Row Family Project, which was extended from Limerick to Clare last year.
The service came to this county, thanks to seed funding from the Sisters of Mercy and the Courts Discretionary Fund, set up by District Court Judge, Patrick Durcan.
It currently caters for 40 people – including offenders and their families – from a new premises in the Clon Road Business Park, Ennis, but funding restrictions mean it can only operate on a part-time basis.
Project Leader with Bedford Row, Lee-Ann Purcell says the model is vital in supporting Clare prisoners and their families.
