Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 April 2015
409. Deputy Gabrielle McFadden asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when the contract to refurbish Mullingar Courthouse, County Westmeath, will be signed; when construction work is due to commence; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15497/15]
View answerAs 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 Mullingar as part of the Government's infrastructure stimulus package. It is intended that this will be delivered by way of Public Private Partnership along with six other courthouse projects. I am informed that tenders were received last month and are currently being assessed by the Courts Service. A preferred tenderer is expected to be announced within the next few weeks and work on site is expected to commence later this year.
