Maria McCormack (Sinn Fein)

I am seeking an update on the new site for the Portlaoise courthouse building. The ongoing situation with Portlaoise courthouse is absolutely unacceptable. As a facility, it is one major incident away from closure. Judge Johnson has described the condition of the building in stark terms, citing serious concerns around health and safety and basic functionality. Yet, despite Laois County Council providing a site for the new courthouse at the Aldi in Portlaoise, we have received no update from the Government.

The courthouse is on Main Street in Portlaoise, so as we can imagine, the main street is becoming very chaotic and unsafe on court days. Prison vans are parked on the footpaths. Families shout at loved ones through van windows. Antisocial behaviour is rampant. This is an issue for everyone's dignity, such as the people attending court, given that it is embarrassing for them to be so public on the main street. As there is a new site, I would like to see this being pushed a bit further. Wheelchair users and parents with buggies cannot get through or use the footpath. Businesses are suffering. Public confidence in law and order is being eroded. Let us not forget that Portlaoise is home to the country's maximum security prison as well, so the idea that a town housing such a critical part of our justice system does not have a functional courthouse really beggars belief. I ask the Leader to please get an update as to when the building will commence on the new site for Portlaoise courthouse.