Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 April 2013
949. Deputy Paudie Coffey asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when the approved extension and refurbishment of Waterford City Court House will begin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17241/13]
View answerIn July 2012 the Government announced, as part of the stimulus package, refurbishment plans for seven courthouse projects, which include Waterford. 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. In order to be of assistance to the Deputy, I have had enquiries made and the Courts Service has informed me that discussions are ongoing with the Office of Public Works and the National Development Finance Agency in order to progress the projects. The projects are to be procured and delivered through a Public Private Partnership. I am informed that the Office of Public Works is currently working on a design for the Waterford project with a view to undertaking the planning process later this year. It is expected that the PPP procurement process will commence around the end of the year. This time scale would allow construction to commence during 2015 with a view to the project being completed and the courthouse being operational during 2016.
