asked the Minister for Justice if he is aware of the heavy financial burden of renovating the courthouse in Waterford which may cost in the region of £1.5 million; if such expenditure will be borne by the Government rather than by local authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Written Answers. - Waterford Courthouse.
231.
Waterford courthouse has been renovated by the Office of Public Works as a result of Mandamus Orders obtained by the Waterford Law Society and I understand that the final cost will, in fact, be in the region of £1.5 million.
Under the provisions of the Courthouses (Provision and Maintenance) Act, 1935, Waterford Corporation are required to reimburse the Office of Public Works for the cost of the project and there is no provision in that Act, or elsewhere, whereby they could be relieved of that obligation.
Waterford Corporation were facilitated in obtaining the necessary finance by means of a loan from the Local Loans Fund, access to which was approved by the Minister for Finance and sanctioned by the Minister for Justice, as provided by the Local Government (No. 2) Act, 1960.