Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 February 2017
125. Deputy Pat Casey asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if Wicklow town courthouse is one of the seven courthouse refurbishment works included under action No. 102 of the action plan for rural development over the next two years at a cost of €135 million; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7281/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs 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.
However, in order to be of assistance to the Deputy, I have had enquiries made and the Courts Service has informed me that Wicklow town courthouse is not one of the seven courthouse redevelopments/refurbishments referred to in action number 102 of the Action Plan for Rural Development. The courthouses being referred to here are Drogheda, Letterkenny, Cork, Limerick, Mullingar, Wexford and Waterford which are being developed using the Public Private Partnership model. Construction got underway at all locations in December 2015 and it is anticipated that the work at all courthouses will be completed and they will become operational during the course of 2017.
The Courts Service has also informed me that a number of years ago they acquired a site adjacent to Wicklow town courthouse with the objective of refurbishing and extending the existing building. However, the Courts Service has advised that there are no immediate plans to refurbish Wicklow town courthouse but that this matter will be kept under review subject to available resources.
