Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 20 Sep 1995

Vol. 455 No. 8

Written Answers. - County Meath Courthouses.

Mary Wallace

Ceist:

250 Miss M. Wallace asked the Minister for Justice if her attention has been drawn to the appalling conditions, especially on family court days, obtaining in Navan courthouse, County Meath; the court sits upstairs from the community centre in a parish building without consultation rooms; the plans, if any, she has to provide a proper courthouse in Navan; her views on the fact that the largest town in County Meath has no courthouse and has to operate from a parish building which is wholly unsuitable; and if she will make a statement on the matter with particular reference to facilities available for family court days and also to the provision of a formal courthouse. [12669/95]

Minister for Justice (Mrs. Owen)

A written reply was issued to your original parliamentary question on 13 July 1995 outlining the position at that time as promised by the Taoiseach. Since then officials of my Department met with officials of Meath County Council to discuss courthouses in the county. The county council has been requested to examine the possible options available for the provision of improved court facilities in Navan. My Department is awaiting the outcome of this examination.

Mary Wallace

Ceist:

251 Miss M. Wallace asked the Minister for Justice if her attention has been drawn to the appalling conditions obtaining at the Dunshaughlin Courthouse in County Meath, especially with regard to the general bad repair of the building and lack of family facilities on family court days; the plans, if any, she has to provide proper courthouse facilities at Dunshaughlin; if her attention has been further drawn to the fact that this courthouse is adjacent to the condemned old Garda station which was closed in 1994 and is due for replacement by the Department of Justice; if her attention has been further drawn to the fact that in its development plan Meath County Council has decided to rezone this area of the town as a civic square including car parking to the rear of the courthouse and the existing sites of the courthouse, the old Garda station and that they should be of assistance to her in expediting her plans regarding the refurbished courthouse and the new Garda station; and the progress, if any, made within her Department on the plans and possible construction commencement date for the much needed improvements to Dunshaughlin Courthouse and for the provision of proper facilities for family court days. [12672/95]

Minister for Justice (Mrs. Owen)

A written reply was issued to the Deputy's original parliamentary question on 13 July 1995 outlining the position at that time as promised by the Taoiseach. Since then officials of my Department met with officials of Meath County Council to discuss courthouses in the county. The county council has been requested to examine the possible options available to my Department for the provision of proper court facilities in Navan.