A new laboratory and headquarters for Forensic Science Ireland (FSI) have been officially opened today (21 March).

FSI, which currently has just over 200 staff, provides a scientific service to the criminal-justice system by analysing samples from crime scenes, and providing expert evidence in criminal trials.

The organisation’s director general Chris Enright has described the new facility as “the most advanced in Europe”.

Analysis

It is located in the Backweston Campus outside Celbridge, Co Kildare, alongside the laboratories of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, and the State Laboratory.

It provides state-of-the-art facilities for the recovery and analysis of trace evidence, as well as for FSI’s broad range of functions – including chemical analysis, physical analysis, and DNA and biological analysis.

Construction started in March 2020 and was completed in July 2023. The facility was designed and built by the Office of Public Works (OPW).

Demand

“This new purpose-built facility represents a deep commitment to the impact and value of forensic science in the country,” said Enright.

“The demand for our services has grown dramatically over the years, and this new building positions us very well to respond,” he added.

The facility was opened by the Minister for Justice Helen McEntee, the Minister of State James Browne, and the Minister of State at the OPW Patrick O’Donovan.