Over €2 billion to be invested in justice system by 2030

Jim O'Callaghan

The sectoral investment plan for justice under the recent National Development Plan (NDP) review — the largest-ever capital investment plan in the history of the State — was published yesterday.

It includes investment of €528 million in prisons, €364 million in Garda buildings and €460 million in digital systems for An Garda Síochána, including body-worn cameras.

It also provides for investment of €369 million in the Courts Service, enabling the construction of the new Dublin family courts complex at Hammond Lane and a new courthouse in Tralee, Co Kerry.

The plan also covers €200 million to develop state-owned accommodation for immigration purposes and major digital investment of €81 million to support a modern immigration system.

Other aspects include a new mortuary in Dublin and €200m for a modern security HQ, new technology for national security, border security, the National Cyber Security Centre and new National Security Authority.

Justice, home affairs and migration minister Jim O’Callaghan said: “The allocation for the justice sector capital plan will have a transformative impact on the justice sector over the next five years.

“This plan sets out my strategic investment priorities and outlines key capital projects that will keep the public safe and enhance the security of the State.

“The priority projects will be delivered by my Department, An Garda Síochána, the Irish Prison Service, Courts Service and Fiosrú.

“This record funding for capital development is essential and will deliver a wide range of major projects across the country.”