Thurles Information

J Block at Garda Headquarters, in Phoenix Park, Dublin 8, (Eircode D08 HN3X), has now been fully restored and re-opened. This project involved the full refurbishment of some 1,770 sq.m, of the two-storey, historic and protected structure; same to be now used as offices to accommodate a highly specialist unit within An Garda Síochána.

The Phoenix Park was chosen as the location for the constabulary originally in 1836, and the current buildings, which include the J Block, have been in use since 1923

The origins of the J Block building, itself, dates back to 1842, when it was a barracks and training building for recruits up until 1964, when the Garda Training College at Templemore, Co. Tipperary then took over.
As already stated, the J Block building was first used as a barracks and training building, later evolving to house administrative personnel and in more recent times, to serve as a base of operations for An Garda Síochána’s Information, Communications and Technology (ICT) department.
Now, following this significant refurbishment project, J Block has been modernised and will become home to the Roads Policing Bureau, the Community Engagement Bureau and Youth Diversion Bureau. The office of the Assistant Commissioner with responsibility for Roads Policing and Community Engagement will also be based there.

This project involved some complex refurbishment works in a live, operational policing environment, requiring careful phasing and constant coordination to ensure the safety of Garda staff, subcontractors, and the buildings occupants.

Key elements of the refurbishment included:

• Replacement and restoration of approximately 80 historic sash windows.
• Repair and restoration of original external masonry.
• Complete replacement of the roof finish and flashings and the strengthening of the roof structure.
• Repair of eight original chimneys, including lead and copper flashings.
• Sensitive internal reorganisation to provide modern office spaces while respecting historic features.
• Removal of poor-quality rear extensions and prefabricated units, significantly improving both the building’s external presentation and staff amenity area.
• The additional of sustainable heating systems including an electrically powered heat pump.
• The upgrade of the building fabric where possible including increased insulation where possible.

All interventions were carried out with the utmost care for the character and physical fabric of this protected structure. The design and execution have ensured that the building remains in beneficial use for the long term, while also safeguarding its heritage value.
The overall cost of the refurbishment to the taxpayer has not been published as yet.

New Proceeds of Crime Bill is the most significant reform of Ireland’s civil asset forfeiture laws in almost 30 years.

• Bill will strengthen CAB powers and reduce delays.
• Enables immediate possession of assets.
• 7 year waiting period cut to 2 years before final disposal.
• New powers to freeze bank accounts so criminal money cannot be hidden.

Government approval has been given to strengthen the Irish State’s ability to identify, freeze and confiscate assets linked to serious and organised crime.

The Proceeds of Crime and Related Matters Bill 2025, which was approved by cabinet today (July 8th) represents the most significant update to Ireland’s civil asset forfeiture laws since their introduction first in 1996.

The Bill strengthens CAB’s investigative powers, with new provisions to freeze bank accounts when there is a reasonable suspicion that it is being used to hold proceeds of crime. To address the risk of funds being moved quickly or hidden, a direction can be given to a financial institution to freeze an account for up to seven days.

The Bill will also ensure that when a court has decided that assets are the proceeds of crime; be that money, property or vehicles, a receiver will be appointed to deprive those holding the assets to benefit. The time before the assets can be finally disposed of will be reduced from seven (7) years to two (2) years, which is seen as significant reform

Additionally, the District Court may issue a restraint order for up to 90 days, with the option to renew it. These powers can be used where there are reasonable grounds to suspect that the funds are linked to crime and may be dissipated. It will be a criminal offence to breach either a direction or a court order.

The Bill also streamlines the disposal process and ensures that findings are not challenged repeatedly. Procedural protections remain in place and individuals will still have the right to appeal a decision or apply to vary or revoke it during the two-year period before disposal.

The government is keen to highlighted the importance of ensuring that the proceeds of crime are used to benefit communities. The Proceeds of Crime Acts allow for re-investing the proceeds of crime back into communities to support projects that build safer and more secure communities. The Community Safety Fund, now in its fourth year, ensures money seized from criminal networks is reinvested to enhance public safety, wellbeing and opportunity in localities.

With a budget of €4 million in 2025, the fund which is managed by the National Office for Community Safety, supports projects that tackle anti-social behaviour, drug-related intimidation, domestic violence, and youth crime.

Following government approval for publication today, the Proceeds of Crime and Related Matters Bill 2025 will now proceed to be considered by Dáil Éireann.

Irish Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration Mr Jim O’Callaghan has launched the 2025 recruitment campaign for the Irish Prison Service.
The target number for new recruits this year is 300, with the competition being conducted through Publicjobs on behalf of the Irish Prison Service.

The Minister is also pleased to launch the Virtual Prison Tour: a new web-based innovative tool that allows visitors, service users, and the wider public to see the inside of an Irish Prison, guided by a digitally created Prison Officer.
This project aims to increase public understanding of how our prisons function and operate on a day-to-day basis.

Speaking at the launch, Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan said: “Prison Officers are a cornerstone of the criminal justice system, and I look forward to welcoming the new recruits of 2025. I am very pleased to launch this year’s recruitment campaign which is a key part of a much wider investment by government in our prison system. Prisons not only provide a secure environment and act as a deterrent, but through the dedication and compassion that prison officers also provide to offenders, prisons are a place for rehabilitation and education. The Government is committed to ensuring that all prison officers are enabled and equipped to do their jobs to a high standard in a workplace where they feel safe and protected.”

Mr O’Callaghan further stated, “I am also pleased to launch the Virtual Prison Tour. This innovative project will greatly enhance the public’s understanding of how our prisons operate. It can also serve as a positive recruitment tool to provide those contemplating a career as a prison officer with the ability to tour their future workplace.”

Ms Caron McCaffrey, Director General of the Irish Prison Service, added: “The Recruit Prison Officer campaign is a vital opportunity to attract individuals who are committed to public service and rehabilitation, and who will play a central role in maintaining safe and secure prison environments. The incredible work of Prison Officers is complex and often hidden from public view, but our annual competition and the launch of the virtual tour allow us the opportunity to let the public see the teamwork, integrity, potential, safety and support that Prison Officers not only offer to prisoners, but to their colleagues as well.
I wish to commend all those involved in delivering the Virtual Tour, an innovative and informative project that highlights the professionalism and dedication of our staff across the prison estate. These initiatives are key steps in strengthening public understanding of our work and attracting committed individuals to a challenging yet rewarding career.”

The 2024 recruitment campaign attracted more than 1500 applicants, resulting in 271 prison officers joining the Irish Prison Service. The 2025 Recruit Prison Officer Competition will remain open until 1 August 2025.

Information on the competition and how to apply, and to access the prison tour can be found on the Irish Prison Service website HERE .