Written answers

Tuesday, 24 February 2015

Department of Justice and Equality

Court Accommodation Provision

Photo of Andrew DoyleAndrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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345. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if she will provide an outline of the projects undertaken, thus far, as part of the strategic courts project, under the Government infrastructure stimulus programme of 2012; and if she will provide an outline of further court house new builds, and-or refurbishments, due to be delivered under this programme. [8206/15]

Photo of Andrew DoyleAndrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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346. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if there are plans to include County Wicklow as part of any public private partnership project, under the Government infrastructure stimulus programme 2012, or any subsequent programmes, for the purpose of courthouse refurbishments, in order to allow the Courts Service to complete plans, under the strategic courts project; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8207/15]

Photo of Frances FitzgeraldFrances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 345 and 346 together.

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.

The Government Infrastructure Stimulus Programme includes a Courts Bundle which comprises seven new and refurbished courthouses for the Courts Service, to be delivered by Public Private Partnership. The locations of these seven projects are: Cork, Limerick, Waterford, Wexford, Mullingar, Letterkenny and Drogheda. This bundle of projects is currently in the procurement phase. It is expected that construction will commence before the end of 2015 and that the courthouses will be completed during 2017.

The Courts Service has indicated that it has acquired a site adjacent to the existing courthouse in Wicklow which would allow for the refurbishment and extension of the existing courthouse. This matter will be kept under review having regard to available resources, however, any decision regarding a future infrastructure stimulus package is a matter for the Government.

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