Ireland's Department of Justice and Law Reform has officially handed over ownership of Spike Island to Cork County Council (CCC), which aims to transform the site into a tourist attraction.

The handover of the island to the council took place on 11 July - 72 years after it was transferred into the ownership of the Irish Free State after being controlled by British forces. CCC is now planning to press ahead the development of a major tourism, recreation and heritage centre at Spike Island, which is known as Ireland's Alcatraz and was used as a barracks and a prison between 1938-1979.

Jim Day, mayor of the county of Cork, said: "The people of Cork, and particularly those in the harbour area, have long recognised the potential of Spike Island as a tourist and heritage destination. "Through the Spike Island Steering Group, chaired by Professor Brendan Tuohy, we are developing a master plan that will unlock the potential of the island and give Cork one of the leading tourist destinations in Ireland."

Having also acted as a detention centre for young offenders and joyriders from 1979 onwards, the island's prison facilities were closed in 2004.