Ireland Approves €2.18 Billion Justice Sector Investment Plan for 2026-2030Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration Jim O’Callaghan has secured Cabinet approval for the Sectoral Investment Plan for Justice under the National Development Plan (NDP) Review, marking the largest ever capital investment plan in the history of the State. The Justice sector will receive €2.18 billion from 2026 to 2030, an increase of over €800 million compared to the previous NDP. The funding will support major capital projects including increased prison capacity, new Garda stations, courthouses, investment in the National Cyber Security Centre, and delivery of key technology for An Garda Síochána, the Department of Justice, and the wider justice sector.
A significant portion of the funding—€528 million—is allocated to the Prisons Capital Plan to deliver more than 1,500 additional prison spaces, with construction projects planned at multiple facilities including Castlerea, Cloverhill, Mountjoy, Portlaoise, Wheatfield, Midlands, Dóchas, and Old Cork prisons, alongside planning for a new prison at Thornton, north County Dublin. An additional €32 million will fund technology and fleet upgrades for the Irish Prison Service. Minister O’Callaghan highlighted that this record investment addresses capacity constraints and supports staff and prisoner needs.
The plan includes unprecedented investments in Garda technology, with €460 million enabling a nationwide roll-out of body-worn cameras and a digital evidence management system, along with cyber security upgrades, policing system development, and new HR and corporate ICT systems. €364 million is allocated to Garda buildings, including completion of new stations in Portlaoise, Newcastle West, Bailieborough, Clonmel, Macroom, Castletroy, Carndonagh, and a new HQ for the Dublin north region. The Garda College in Templemore will also benefit from significant upgrades, while €35 million is earmarked for minor refurbishment projects across multiple stations to improve accessibility and infrastructure.
Further investment of €69 million will support expansion, modernisation, diversification, and electrification of the Garda fleet, including the addition of a second helicopter in 2026, as well as development of drone technology and accommodation for equine and canine units. Minister of State Niall Collins emphasized that this funding will enhance the Gardaí’s capacity to tackle crime in both rural and urban areas.
The plan also allocates €200 million for state-owned accommodation for immigration purposes and €81 million in digital investment across the Department and justice agencies to modernize the immigration system. Minister of State Colm Brophy noted that these resources will complete the immigration modernisation programme, ensure a fair and effective system, and reduce reliance on commercial premises.
In the courts sector, €369 million has been allocated for new courthouses and technology improvements, including the construction of a new Dublin Family Courts building at Hammond Lane and a new courthouse in Tralee, Co. Kerry. Minister O’Callaghan stated that the Sectoral Investment Plan will have a transformative impact over the next five years, enhancing public safety, modernizing facilities, and supporting strategic priorities across the justice system.
