Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 4 May 2017
58. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the progress to date on the new courthouse for Drogheda; when it will be available for the administration of justice in County Louth; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21177/17]
View answerAs the Deputy will be 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.
The Deputy will be aware that the construction or redevelopment of seven regional courthouses is currently underway with four new courthouses being built in Drogheda, Letterkenny, Limerick and Wexford and substantial refurbishment and extension of existing courthouses in Cork, Mullingar and Waterford and these projects are being completed under Public Private Partnership arrangements.
In order to be of assistance to the Deputy, I have had enquiries made and the Courts Service has informed me that the construction and fit out of the new courthouse for Drogheda is at a very advanced stage. The Courts Service anticipates that court business will commence in the new Drogheda courthouse next month in June 2017.
