Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 April 2018
291. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if the provision of additional funds to the Courts Service to facilitate the completion of planned capital investment in county courthouses has been examined; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17939/18]
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 the project for the construction/redevelopment of courthouses at seven locations throughout the country by way of Public Private Partnership (PPP) is well advanced.
Arising from this PPP initiative, new courthouse developments have already been delivered at Drogheda, Letterkenny, Wexford, Limerick and Waterford over the last year and two more projects are due to be delivered in Cork and Mullingar shortly. The capital expenditure allocation for the Courts Service will continue to provide for the annual unitary payment associated with the provision of these facilities in the years ahead.
A number of other developments in relation to the Courts Service accommodation requirements are outlined in the Government's recent National Development Plan 2018 -2027. They include:
- Further new or refurbished courthouses in regional cities and county towns where facilities remain substandard (including Galway City, Wicklow Town, Portlaoise, Tralee and Roscommon) and further provincial locations such as An Clochan Liath (Dungloe) to serve as the Gaeltacht court for the region and Tuam;
- Regional Family Law Centres;
- A nationwide condition survey of all court buildings in the estate will be undertaken to determine their condition and identify works required in relation to any issues identified and meet ongoing maintenance requirements.
The precise allocation and timing of additional funding over the entire ten year period remains to be fully determined. It will be dependent on the outcome of further detailed planning and analysis of costs which will determine prioritisation of projects from a timing and budgetary perspective.
