Paudie Coffey (Waterford, Fine Gael)
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501. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the current status of the development of Waterford city courthouse; when works are due to start; the proposed timeframe for the completion of works; when the new court house will be operational; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48798/13]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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In July 2012 the Government announced an investment package which includes seven courthouse projects, including Waterford. As 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. In order to be of assistance to the Deputy, I have had enquiries made and the Courts Service has informed me that discussions are ongoing with the Office of Public Works and the National Development Finance Agency in order to progress the projects. The projects are to be procured and delivered through a Public Private Partnership.

I am informed that the Office of Public Works has recently completed a design for the extension and refurbishment of Waterford Courthouse. The development will include 6 courtrooms, replacing the current 2 courtrooms, and improved facilities for all court users. The Part 9 Planning process for the courthouse extension and refurbishment commenced on 7th November 2013. The PPP procurement process will be commencing shortly. Construction is expected to commence during 2015 with the project being completed and the courthouse becoming operational during 2016 or early in 2017.