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 they are at an advanced stage in planning the refurbishment and extension of the courthouse in Waterford as part of the Government's infrastructure stimulus package. This will be delivered by way of Public Private Partnership along with six other courthouse projects. Construction is expected to commence during 2015 with the project being completed and the courthouse becoming operational during 2016 or early in 2017.
I am informed that temporary courtroom and office accommodation will be required for the construction period as the courthouse will have to be vacated. The Courts Service is currently looking at options for temporary accommodation and has indicated that, at this stage, it is not possible to say what arrangements will be in place for any particular court sittings until all options have been fully examined. I am informed that the courthouse development project will result in an increase in courtroom capacity in the city, from the current two courtrooms to a total of six courtrooms. This will allow the courts to return to significantly improved facilities following completion of the project.
