Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 22 March 2018
100. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if a decision has been taken on the location of the new court in north County Kildare; if there is a timeframe for its delivery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13471/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs 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.
However, in order to be of assistance to the Deputy, I have had enquiries made and the Courts Service has advised that it is currently concentrating on the development or refurbishment of courthouses at provincial city/county town venues. As part of a major Public Private Partnership initiative underway at present new courthouses have been delivered at Drogheda, Letterkenny, Wexford and Limerick since June 2017 and 3 more are due to be delivered at Waterford, Cork and Mullingar over the coming weeks and months.
The Courts Service has further advised that on completion of this major programme of work there are 5 provincial city/county town venues still in need of major investment in court facilities, these being Tralee, Galway, Wicklow, Portlaoise and Roscommon. The Courts Service has confirmed that collectively these cities and towns will be the next priority for investment in courthouse facilities outside of the capital under the Courts Service provincial capital building programme. The Courts Service is also considering the development of Courts facilities in other smaller locations.
The Courts Service has informed me that Kilcock Courthouse in north County Kildare was closed in July 2016 on health and safety grounds and that District Court sittings transferred to Naas where they have been held since. The Courts Service has also informed me that it plans to review the future delivery of court services in the District Court area of Kilcock in the near future and that this will include a local consultation process.
