Taoiseach Micheál Martin Opens CSSO's New Headquarters
- Foilsithe: 28 Bealtaine 2026
- An t-eolas is déanaí: 28 Bealtaine 2026
Taoiseach Micheál Martin TD officially opened the new offices of the Chief State Solicitor's Office (CSSO) at Smithfield Hall, Dublin, on Wednesday, 27 May. He was joined by the Attorney General, Rossa Fanning SC and the Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works (OPW), Kevin 'Boxer' Moran TD.
CSSO staff gathered for the opening alongside stakeholders from across Government and the many individuals who contributed to delivering the project. The event celebrated not only the completion of a major workplace transformation, but also the consolidation of the Office under one roof.
A New Chapter for the CSSO
For the first time in two decades, the CSSO's staff are operating from a single location, bringing teams together in a bright modern setting that befits the work of this and future generations of public lawyers. The new accommodation is designed not only to serve the present needs of the Office, but to support its evolution in the years ahead.
The CSSO shares Smithfield Hall with a number of other State agencies, including Tailte Éireann, the Insolvency Service of Ireland and the Valuation Tribunal – creating a shared civic space at the heart of Dublin's north inner city.
Speaking at the opening, Taoiseach Micheál Martin TD paid tribute to the work of the CSSO and the significance of the move:
“Since the establishment of the State, the CSSO has played a key role in supporting the work of Government. I am honoured to officially open these new offices in Smithfield Hall and I wish to congratulate the staff and the Office of Public Works who worked side by side to complete this building project.
“It is a bright, airy, modern workplace that will meet all the needs of this office in the years to come.”
Taoiseach Micheál Martin TD
Attorney General, Rossa Fanning SC, reflected on the importance of the move for the legal work of the State:
“It is not an accident that these offices are situated as close as they are to the Four Courts. That is where the administration of justice in civil matters takes place within the meaning of Article 34 of the Constitution…. solicitors from this office represent me and Government in litigation in those courts, every day of the week. The location of these new offices, in the heart of Dublin’s legal quarter, is ideally suited to the continued fulfilment of that role.”
Attorney General, Rossa Fanning SC
Minister of State Kevin 'Boxer' Moran welcomed the completion of the fit out of the new offices:
“I am delighted to be here today for the official opening of the new CSSO offices. Providing office accommodation for public sector employees across the country is an integral part of the OPW’s work. Continued investment in such buildings demonstrates the Government’s commitment to delivering modern, fit-for-purpose office space that supports innovation and new ways of working.”
Minister of State Kevin 'Boxer' Moran
Reflecting on what the move means for the CSSO and the generations of public lawyers who will work from the new offices, Chief State Solicitor Maria Browne said:
"We have a fine, state-of-the-art home that is equipped for the public law officials of today and built to serve those who will come after us."
Chief State Solicitor Maria Browne
A Workplace Designed for Collaboration
Leased by the OPW to accommodate a number of State bodies, including the CSSO, Smithfield Hall brings together more than 1,000 staff within a single, modern workplace. Located in close proximity to the Four Courts, the building's distillery past remains visible throughout: the CSSO's entrance is set into original stonework re-instated as part of the exterior wall, while interior walls are clad in copper repurposed from the old stills. At the heart of the building is an atrium which ensures the interiors are bright, and naturally lit.
The internal office fit out, designed by OPW architectural services in conjunction with McCullough Mulvin Architects and constructed by John Sisk and Sons Ltd. balances open-plan areas that encourage communication and shared working with quieter cellular spaces for concentration and private meetings. Natural materials such as timber and textured finishes bring warmth to the interiors, while subtle variations in colour and fabric give different parts of the office their own character within an overall sense of cohesion.
The result is a modern workplace providing a fitting home for the next chapter in the CSSO's history.
