Weather conditions and other "construction issues" have resulted in delays in the development of the new National Children Detention Facility at Oberstown
Three new units were due to be up and running by the end of next month but the Government says it's running behind schedule.
Last October, the then Minister for Children Frances Fitzgerald helped turned the sod at the site in Oberstown.
The €56m project was heralded as a watershed moment in the way the state deals with young offenders.
It's purpose is to end the practice of detaining children in adult prison facilities.
Three residential units were due to be finished by the end of next month but the development has run into some minor difficulties.
As a result, they won't be ready until later this year.
Staffing issues have been rejected by the Government as a reason for the hold up.
A spokesperson for the Department of Children and Youth Affairs says the delays are entirely construction related with the weather also playing a part.
Chief Executive of the Children's Rights Alliance Tanya Ward says it's vital to have the units up and running as soon as possible:
"It's disappointing really because remember there are 17 year olds, right now, held in Wheatfield Prison, which is an adult prison. It's simply not good enough."
More units are due to be built next year and Tanya says the facility will make a big difference
"It should mean again that young people won't be detained in St. Patricks Institution and they won't be detained with other adults which is against their rights. It'll also mean that the staff on site are dedicated and trained for dealing with young people."
The Department says the recruitment campaign for extra care staff is almost finished and new staff will be in place in plenty of time.
