Dublin — 4 December 2025 — Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration Jim O’Callaghan has secured Cabinet approval for a €2.18 billion Sectoral Investment Plan for Justice, forming part of the State’s largest-ever National Development Plan (NDP) Review.
The five‑year package represents an €800 million increase on the previous NDP allocation and will fund major capital projects across policing, prisons, courts, cyber security and immigration infrastructure from 2026 to 2030.
Major Expansion of Prison Capacity
A total of €528 million has been earmarked for the Prisons Capital Plan, including nearly €500 million to deliver more than 1,500 additional prison spaces. Construction projects are planned at Castlerea, Cloverhill, Mountjoy, Portlaoise, Wheatfield, Midlands, Dóchas and Old Cork prisons, alongside planning for a new facility at Thornton in north County Dublin.
A further €32 million will support technology and fleet upgrades for the Irish Prison Service.
Minister O’Callaghan said the investment would help address “capacity constraints” and support the delivery of additional spaces by 2031, noting that more than 190 spaces have already been added in the past 18 months.
Record Investment in Garda Technology and Infrastructure
The plan includes €460 million for Garda digital systems, enabling the full national rollout of body‑worn cameras, a digital evidence management system, and enhanced cyber‑security and policing technologies.
A further €364 million will fund new Garda stations and upgrades to existing buildings. New stations in Portlaoise, Newcastle West and Bailieborough are due for completion in 2026 and early 2027, with additional projects progressing in Macroom, Clonmel, Castletroy, Carndonagh and a new North Dublin regional headquarters. The Garda College in Templemore will also receive significant investment.
An additional €35 million is allocated for a rolling programme of minor refurbishments across stations nationwide, improving accessibility and essential infrastructure.
Garda fleet modernisation will receive €69 million, including funding for a second helicopter in 2026, expanded drone capabilities and upgraded facilities for equine and canine units.
Strengthening National Security and Cyber Defence
A new €200 million allocation will support a modern Security Headquarters, enhanced border‑security technology, investment in the National Cyber Security Centre and the establishment of a new National Security Authority.
Courts, Immigration and Modernisation Projects
The Courts Service will receive €369 million for courthouse construction and technology upgrades, including a new Family Courts complex at Hammond Lane and a new courthouse in Tralee.
A further €200 million will fund the development of state‑owned accommodation for immigration purposes, reducing reliance on commercial premises. An additional €81 million will support digital transformation across the Department of Justice and its agencies, underpinning a modernised immigration system.
Ministerial Response
Minister O’Callaghan said the plan would have a “transformative impact” on public safety and national security, describing the investment as essential to delivering major projects across the country.
Minister of State Niall Collins welcomed the strengthened Garda resources, emphasising the importance of modern technology in tackling crime, including rural crime.
Minister of State Colm Brophy said the immigration funding would ensure a “firm, fair and effective” system aligned with the EU Migration Pact.
