Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 September 2022
1466. Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice the status of the new courthouse in Portlaoise (details supplied); if she will ensure that the additional funding is delivered in order that the project is completed in a timely manner; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44046/22]
View answerUnder the provisions of the Courts Service Act 1998, management of the courts is the responsibility of the Courts Service, which is independent in the exercise of its functions.
As the Deputy will be aware, the Government's revised National Development Plan 2021-2030 includes a number of Courts Service projects to be completed during the period of the plan, including:
- ICT projects to support the Courts Service Modernisation Programme;
- Provision of further new or refurbished courthouses in cities and county towns where facilities remain substandard. Locations where investment is needed include Galway City, Wicklow Town, Portlaoise, Tralee, Roscommon, Naas, Bray, Navan, Swords, Tallaght and Dun Laoghaire. In some of these locations, the proposed projects will include the provision of facilities for Regional Family Law Centres;
- Family Law Complex on Hammond Lane to be developed by PPP;
- A new Children’s Court in Dublin; and
- Modernisation of the Four Courts complex.
The priority project for the period up to 2025 is the proposed new Family Law Complex in Hammond Lane.
Specifically in relation to Portlaoise, as the Deputy will be aware, the current courthouse is located in the town centre. The site at Kylekiproe will be used to build a new courthouse once funding becomes available.
