High-security intelligence hub to be built at Garda HQ under long-delayed national upgrade

Garda HQ in the Phoenix Park, Dublin. Picture: Gareth Chaney/ Collins Photos

A new multi-storey, high-tech facility for Ireland's internal security service is to be built at Garda HQ, the Irish Examiner understands.

The project marks a significant investment in Ireland's security infrastructure and capabilities but comes nearly seven years after the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland (CoFPI) urged such investment and prioritisation.

The facility is expected to take five years to build and fit out, and will provide high levels of physical and cyber security.

The Garda National Crime and Security Intelligence Service (GNCSIS), currently located within the existing Garda HQ complex in Phoenix Park, will move into the new building.

It is understood that the service could be expanded as part of the development, though details remain unclear.

The GNCSIS is both a security and organised crime intelligence service. It also has a large operational arm, including firearms operations and anti-terrorism investigations.

The new facility is being built under the renewed National Development Plan, published this week.

The building will be located on the existing Garda HQ site and will comprise a multi-storey, bespoke facility built to high standards of physical and cyber security.

The facility is seen as a key element in strengthening the GNCSIS, which serves as Ireland’s internal security service.

The CoFPI report, published in September 2018, stated that the Garda’s security and intelligence capability “must be strengthened.”

It called for a “ring-fenced budget” and the ability to “recruit specialist expertise — analytical, technological, and legal — directly and quickly.”

It said this was a “matter of urgency,” as international terrorism and organised crime are constantly evolving, and it assessed the risks to the State as “serious.”

Those particular recommendations have yet to be implemented but are expected to be examined as part of the review of “national security structures” promised under the Programme for Government.

It is believed that this internal review — currently being carried out by the National Security Committee, which includes senior civil servants and top Garda, Defence Forces, and cyber officials — is ongoing.

The investment in Garda security structures comes just days after a judge overseeing the use of phone-tapping powers urged that the role and powers of military intelligence in State security be clarified in legislation.

Mr Justice Tony O’Connor said the Irish Military Intelligence Service (IMIS) moved into a “new bespoke secure facility” last March.

“The new facility is a welcome development and affords a modern and professional aspect,” he said. “The new building is purpose-built to top secret clearances and security specifications.” 

While An Garda Síochána is responsible for internal security, including State security, the Defence Forces are also tasked with State protection, particularly against external threats.

CoFPI recommended the creation of a national security analysis and coordination body under the Department of the Taoiseach. One of its primary tasks would be clarifying the roles of Garda and military intelligence and ensuring “no overlap” between them.

This clarity has not yet been achieved, despite the wishes of Garda and military intelligence.

The National Security Analysis Centre (NSAC), set up under the Department of the Taoiseach, never established a coordination function for intelligence agencies. The ongoing national security review is expected to examine this issue.

NSAC also failed to produce a National Security Strategy, which was initially expected in 2021 and meant to cover the 2020–2025 period.

NSAC was quietly dissolved as a standalone body earlier this year and now operates as a secretariat within the department. 

It is expected to finally publish Ireland’s first National Security Strategy later this year.

In a statement, a Department of Justice spokesperson told the Irish Examiner that the Justice Minister is "strongly committed to strengthening the capacity and capability of An Garda Síochána’s security and intelligence services in line with the Programme for Government".

This commitment, the spokesperson said, includes "investing in physical infrastructure, cutting edge systems, people, and specialist skills, alongside bringing forward proposals to modernise legislation".

The spokesperson also said that, as part of the NDP review, the Minister has secured funding for the delivery of "a bespoke secure building to enable the Garda National Security & Intelligence Service to increase its capability as the nature and sophistication of the threat to the security of the State advances and to ensure alignment with international security standards". 

"In the coming months, the Minister will be outlining in more detail the projects and investment programmes he will be prioritising with the additional funding allocation received following the review of the NDP," the spokesperson added.