The single largest investment in forensic science in the history of the state has results in a new laboratory and headquarters for Forensic Science Ireland (FSI).
FSI was established in 1975 to provide a scientific service to the Criminal Justice System by analyzing samples submitted from crime scenes and providing expert evidence in criminal trials.
The Office of Public Works (OPW) has designed and built a facility that allows FSI to do their work in an environment that is tailor-made for forensic science. The design allows for a secure, controlled intake and return of evidentiary exhibits and efficient movement throughout the building to undergo the required examination and analysis needed.
“It is an investment in Ireland’s future and an acknowledgement of the ever-increasing relevance of forensic services in our justice system,” said Patrick O’Donovan TD, Minister of State. “We now have one of the elite forensic analysis facilities in Europe, designed and delivered by the Office of Public Works team, who work tirelessly to deliver important infrastructure projects like this, on behalf of the people of Ireland.”
The key to the approach was to tailor the functionality of the OPW generic laboratory layout with the specific operation requirements of the FSI. The layout of the building is a hub and spoke design that allows for a secure controlled intake and return of evidentiary exhibits.
The 13,000 M² facility is strategically located in the Backweston Campus outside Celbridge in Co. Kildare, alongside Laboratories of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and the State Laboratory.
It is purpose-built and designed to the latest ISO (International Standards Organisation) standards, providing state of the art facilities for the recovery and analysis of trace evidence as well as FSI’s broad range of functions including chemical analysis, physical analysis and DNA & Biological Analysis services. It will thus help FSI take full advantage of evolving DNA and other technologies in criminal investigations and support of Missing Person investigations.
“The level of detailed engineering design that has gone into this building is truly remarkable. The OPW have managed to optimize our capacity for delivery, while also providing a beautiful working environment for staff. This new building opens up new horizons for forensic services in the country, it provides a space to grow and increase capacity to meet the demands in front of us,” said Chris Enright, Director General of FSI.
The construction of this building started in March 2020 and was completed in July 2023.
Republished courtesy of the Ireland Government.