Irish Prison Service again refuses Mark Nash’s transfer request

This report is a localnews.ie summary based on public court reporting and records; sources are listed below.

Mark Nash’s request to return to Arbour Hill prison in Dublin was again declined following reconsideration by a senior official with the Irish Prison Service. On 29 July 2015, Robert Barron SC, for the State parties, informed the President of the High Court, Mr Justice Nicholas Kearns, of the refusal. The reasons were not outlined to the court.

Nash’s proceedings against the Irish Prison Service and the Minister for Justice had been adjourned while the request was reconsidered. The High Court was due to begin hearing his challenge. The proceedings were reported on 29 July 2015.

Hugh Hartnett SC, for Nash, said his client was anxious for the case to proceed because of his health. Counsel said both sides accepted Nash was “highly suicidal” and at risk of dying because he had not eaten for some time.

In a letter to prison authorities, Nash said he had concealed that he had not eaten since 9 June 2015. The court heard he had been hospitalised over health concerns and that a psychiatric report said he was suicidal. He had since returned to Midlands Prison.

Nash, 42, had served 15 years at Arbour Hill of a life sentence for murdering two people in Ballintober, Co Roscommon, in 1997. In April 2015, he received another life sentence after being convicted of the separate 1997 murders of Sylvia Sheils, 59, and Mary Callanan, 61, at their sheltered housing in Grangegorman, Dublin.

Initially taken to Mountjoy Prison, Nash claimed he faced 23-hour lock-up and threats from other prisoners. His action began in May 2015, and he was subsequently moved to Midlands Prison. He also alleged threats there; the State said there was no evidence supporting that claim.