Andorra to Buy Land for La Comella Prison Expansion This Week

The Andorran government will finalise the purchase of a 260,000-euro plot next to La Comella prison this week through a public notary deed, paving the way for expansions including a dedicated mental health module and reintegration spaces.

Justice and Interior Minister Ester Molné confirmed the move during Tuesday's institutional event for Our Lady of Remedies, the patron saint of the Penitentiary Institutions Department, held at the Andorra la Vella congress centre. The gathering honoured veteran staff and recent retirees, with speeches from officials including prison service director Miquel Àngel Garcia and Head of Government Xavier Espot.

Molné explained that the land acquisition addresses current limitations, particularly the shared space between mental health facilities and the youth unit, which regulations require to be separate. No minors have been admitted in recent years, but any future intake would demand reorganisation to prevent contact between groups. "We need an independent mental health centre because its current location in the youth area creates organisational issues," she said. Planned expansions will also cover workshops and therapy zones to support reintegration. A technical study, to be assigned to an architect, is slated for the next legislative term once budgets allow.

Espot described the step as decisive, enabling a specific mental health module for the first time, freeing up spaces in the youth unit and boosting reintegration areas. He emphasised reintegration as a core principle of Andorra's penitentiary policy, arguing that a secure society must offer second chances alongside sanctions.

Garcia reported 47 current inmates, with 41 in regular residence and six facing mental health issues—down from nearly a dozen last year amid a reduced prison population. He welcomed the 1,800-square-metre plot as ample for growth, improving facilities, staff conditions and public services. The government targets 80 uniformed officers, nearing 71 with five new recruits pending and eight deputy roles stabilising. Three agents have completed training and begun probation periods, while mental health courses from the Andorran Health Service—up 40%—will reach more staff to detect issues early. A multidisciplinary team will handle case reviews, with ongoing University of Andorra collaborations for staff programmes. Over five years, 12 retirements are expected.