Vol. 563 No. 2
231 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his Department is considering a proposal for the designation of an area in Dublin, north of the Four Courts, as a legal quarter; the person by whom the proposal was made; the nature of the designation being considered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3390/03]
The board of the Courts Service has proposed the designation of an area encompassing Blackhall Place, the Kings Inns, North King Street and the Four Courts area of the quays as a legal quarter to encourage the development of the district, particularly the development of legal and courts services within the district.
This area already contains a large concentration of court facilities, legal services, other court related agencies such as the Probation and Welfare Service and State Prosecution Service, the Irish Association for Victim Support, the Refugee Legal Service and over 60 law firms.
I understand that the Courts Service is of the view that the momentum created by the designation of this area as a legal services district and by the progression of two major court projects i.e. a family law court complex and a criminal court complex would have the potential to complement the efforts of Dublin City Council to rejuvenate and regenerate this area of the north inner city and would, undoubtedly, stimulate further commercial activity in the area. Many of the sites in this area already hold tax designated status under the HARP project.
I further understand that the Courts Service has arranged, through the Office of Public Works, for the appointment of a town planner to examine the proposal in more detail and to prepare a report on the impact of the designation of the area as a legal quarter with a view to identifying the benefits which will accrue to the area. The examination will take into account the historical, architectural, commercial, social and other implications of the proposal.
