I propose to take Questions Nos. 825 and 826 together.
In July, the Government announced an infrastructure stimulus package which includes seven courthouse projects. As the Deputy is aware, under the provisions of the Courts Service Act 1998, management of the courts, including the provision of accommodation for court sittings, is the responsibility of the Courts Service which is independent in exercising its functions. However, in order to be of assistance to the Deputy, I have had enquiries made and the Courts Service has informed me that since July they have been in discussions with the Office of Public Works, the National Development Finance Agency and my Department in order to progress these projects.
I understand that a process is currently underway to determine the approach to the various projects planned and the time scales for the projects will be dependent on that.
The Courts Service has indicated that the time line for the delivery of the projects is under discussion and it is currently anticipated that projects could be delivered by 2016. Details of the projects planned are as follows:
Project
|
Current status
|
Wexford
|
A new courthouse is to be constructed on a Courts Service owned site.
|
Mullingar
|
There is to be a refurbishment and extension of the existing courthouse.
|
Waterford
|
There is to be a refurbishment and extension of the existing courthouse.
|
Limerick
|
A new criminal courthouse is to be constructed on a site adjacent to Limerick prison.
|
Cork
|
There is to be a refurbishment and extension of Anglesea Street Courthouse (Cork District Court) onto an adjacent OPW owned site.
|
Letterkenny
|
A new courthouse is to be built on a site acquired by the Courts Service.
|
Drogheda
|
A new courthouse is to be built on a Courts Service owned site.
|