Forensic Science Laboratory

The new Forensic Science Ireland (FSI) Laboratories, located at Backweston Campus in County Kildare, were commissioned to replace the existing facilities at Phoenix Park and to establish a world-class centre of excellence in forensic science.

Situated on a greenfield site within the state-owned Backweston Campus—home to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine Laboratories, as well as the State Laboratory—this cutting-edge facility spans approximately 10,000 m². The development includes bespoke laboratories, cleanrooms, specialist plant areas, and administrative offices, all meticulously designed to support the critical national work carried out by FSI. An extensive external works and landscaping package was also delivered as part of the €90 million investment.

The primary challenge was to deliver a facility of such exceptional quality and technical sophistication that it would meet rigorous international standards and become a global leader in forensic science. Designed and constructed in accordance with ISO standards, the facility is equipped with state-of-the-art systems to support a full spectrum of forensic services—including advanced DNA profiling, biological and chemical analysis, and trace evidence recovery.

Construction commenced in March 2020 and reached substantial completion in September 2022. This was followed by an intensive eight-month testing and commissioning period to ensure the building met all international auditing and compliance requirements before laboratory operations began in mid-2023.

We are proud to have played a central role in the successful delivery of this transformative national project on behalf of the Office of Public Works (OPW), ensuring Forensic Science Ireland has the infrastructure to remain at the forefront of forensic innovation for decades to come.