Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 March 2018
309. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when the construction of the planned family law courts complex at Hammond Lane, Dublin 7 will commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12012/18]
View answerThe Government’s Infrastructure and Capital Investment Plan 2016-2021 provides for a development at the Hammond Lane site including the development of a Family Law and Children’s Court. The project is to be delivered as a Public Private Partnership with an anticipated completion date of end 2020 or early 2021.
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.
Following a detailed design exercise undertaken by the Courts Service in partnership with the Office of Public Works and in consultation with key stakeholders, a business case for the project with detailed costings was submitted to my Department for approval and was reviewed in the context of competing and significant capital requirements in the Justice sector.
There are on-going discussions with the Courts Service in regard to a number of issues including the project scale as well as funding aspects. In due course, the project would also require sanction from Department of Public Expenditure and Reform before it can proceed.
