Alan Farrell (Dublin Fingal, Fine Gael)
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6. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality to provide an update on progress being made under the NDP Justice Projects 2024-2026; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26529/24]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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From my first day as Minister for Justice, I have prioritised building stronger, safer communities. In support of this I was very pleased earlier this year to secure additional funding under the National Development Plan which now contains investment of over €300 million a year in capital projects for the Justice sector. This capital investment ranges across a number of areas such as ICT, Transport investment and capital building and refurbishment works in An Garda Síochána, the Irish Prison Service, the Courts Service and my own Department.

I am very proud of what has already been delivered under the current NDP, in particular:

• A new state of the art laboratory for Forensic Science Ireland (FSI). This is the largest ever capital project directly funded by the Exchequer in the Justice sector, at a cost of over €100 million which reflects the crucial role that FSI plays in the criminal justice system;
• Walter Scott House in Dublin, the new Garda Security and Crime Operations Centre is a modern fit for purpose building, housing key national crime units, delivered in 2022 at a cost of €87 million;
• The redevelopment of Limerick prison included a new world class women’s prison and a new male wing. This project was completed in 2023 at a cost of €70 million.

• Significant additional prison capacity with four capital projects planned at Castlerea, Cloverhill, the Midlands and Mountjoy prisons. This will ensure Ireland’s prison facilities can accommodate people committed to prison by our courts;
• New Garda stations in Macroom, Clonmel and Portlaoise;
• An unprecedented €100 million per annum investment in Garda ICT projects which enables and equips our Gardaí to carry out their frontline duties far more efficiently. This capital investment will also support the implementation of Body Worn Cameras and the delivery of a new airplane and helicopter.