JON VOYAGE!

Final prep for Dowdall jail release as he's set to go abroad with new ID

- PAUL HEALY and JOHN KIERANS

IT will soon become illegal to reveal the whereabouts of State witness Jonathan Dowdallas jail bosses brace for his release within a fortnight.

Sources have confirmed the final preparations are in place for gardai to remove former Sinn Fein councillor Dowdall from Limerick Prison in the coming days.

It is understood prison authorities cannot hold Dowdall, who is serving a four-year sentence for his role in the Regency Hotel shooting, any longer than the end of this month - as he will have served his time thanks to standard remission.

And sources say Dowdall was refused enhanced remission earlier this year - as the failed State witness pleaded to be released in the summer.

However, it is understood the final steps towards his witness protection were not in place by that time.

The gravity of Dowdall's offence also meant he was not considered to be an eligible candidate for such remission.

It is understood Dowdall will be flown out of Ireland to another country, where he assume a new will identity, along with his family.

Upon his release, it will become illegal under Irish law to reveal his new identity, or his location.