A DIRTY PROTEST is being planned in Portlaoise prison over conditions and food at the jail.

The Irish Daily Star reports today that up to 25 prisoners have started to stockpile rubbish in their cells after being denied gluten-free bread.

The protest is being organised by dissident republicans behind bars.

Earlier this week Cogús, a group set up to campaign for republican prisoners, issued a statement complaining about food in the Portlaoise Prison.

The food has seriously deteriorated over the last number of months and in general is sub-standard, at times unfit for human consumption, comprising of basic small portions which are totally inadequate.

“This has resulted in men having to purchase food with the little money they have through the prison shop which charges extortionate prices. Numerous attempts have been made by the prisoners to resolve this issue but to no avail.”

The statement also confirms that ‘all republican prisoners on E-Block commenced a protest on Tuesday’ adding that it included ‘refusing cleaners on to the landing to empty bins’.

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The statement also added that prisoners are refusing their food and will not take any classes.