Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 10 Mar 1999

Vol. 502 No. 1

Written Answers. - Court Accommodation.

Willie Penrose

Question:

173 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when his Department will make funding available for the upgrading works and expansion of facilities at the courthouse, Mullingar, County Westmeath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7343/99]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. O'Donoghue)

An architect has been appointed by Westmeath County Council who acts as this Department's agents in this matter and planning for the refurbishment of Mullingar Courthouse is in progress. When plans have been drawn up all interested parties, i.e. the Judiciary, staff, legal profession, Garda, etc., will be consulted in relation to the facilities to be provided there and the necessary funding for the refurbishment work will be made available when the design has been finalised.

It is not possible at this stage to provide a precise timescale for the work given the nature of the planning, consultation and tendering pro cesses. He may be assured, however, that my Department will continue to progress the project and that I am committed to providing modern courthouse accommodation in Mullingar as quickly as possible.