Justice minister Helen McEntee said the facility, which represents the largest ever capital project delivered by the Department of Justice, will “futureproof” forensic science in the State.

The 13,000m² 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.

Mrs McEntee said: “FSI is already the unsung hero of our criminal justice system. This development will allow it take full advantage of exciting DNA and other technologies to support criminal investigations.

“Recent advances in forensic science — advances that could only be dreamed of almost 50 years ago when the Forensic Science Laboratory was first established — are having an enormous impact on the criminal justice system’s ability to deliver justice and deter crime.

“This new laboratory will allow FSI to expand, to meet growing future demands, and to continue to supports and enable An Garda Síochána to secure successful prosecution in thousands of cases per year.”

James Browne, minister of state with responsibility for law reform, said: “This major investment is reflective of the absolutely crucial role FSI play in ensuring justice is served in the most serious of criminal cases.

“This new headquarters for FSI on the Backweston campus will be a critical part of the infrastructure we need in this country to fight crime, keep people safe and build stronger communities, allowing FSI to take full advantage of evolving DNA and other technologies in criminal investigations and missing person investigations.”

Chris Enright, director of FSI, added: “The demand for our services has grown dramatically over the years and this new building positions us very well to respond.

“The building also allows us to provide a more integrated forensic service, where all of our chemical analysis, DNA and biological analysis, and physical analysis services can be provided from the same location in an integrated and cohesive way.

“Our mission is to provide the Irish justice system with a high-quality integrated forensic service through independent, expert scientific analysis and advice to best international standards. I have no doubt that this major capital investment will enable this and will provide for a great future for forensic services in Ireland.”