John O'Leary
Question:25 Mr. O'Leary asked the Minister for Justice if she will initiate a programme to renovate courthouses throughout the country; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5287/95]
Written Answers. - Renovation of Courts Houses.
A major programme of courthouse refurbishment is ongoing in my Department. There are 254 court venues throughout the country. The sums of £6 million for capital and £1.594 million for maintenance works have been provided in this year's Estimate.
Major refurbishment has been completed in Athlone and Letterkenny and a new courthouse has been built in Dún Laoghaire. Major projects which will be completed in 1995 include Galway, Cork District Court, Loughrea, Donegal, Carlow, Phase 1, Ballina and Ballinasloe. The refurbishment of Clonmel courthouse is ongoing and will be completed in 1996 and work on a new courthouse in Carrick-on-Shannon is scheduled to commence later this year. There are also major ongoing refurbishment works being carried out by the Office of Public Works in the Four Courts complex. In addition, various works on a smaller scale have been carried out in 45 venues in 1994 and further works will be undertaken in a considerable number of venues in 1995.
In formulating a programme of works priority is first of all given to courthouses in county towns and those which accommodate staff. I am very conscious of the need to provide the best possible facilities to meet the modern day court requirements including family law suites and victim support rooms.