Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent)
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421. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the plans the Office of Public Works has to refurbish Roscommon Courthouse; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11932/15]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy is aware, the Courts Service Act 1998 provides that management of the courts is the responsibility of the Courts Service which is independent in exercising its functions, which include the provision of accommodation for court sittings.

However, in order to be of assistance I have had enquiries made and the Courts Service informs me that they are aware of the shortcomings of the court facilities in Roscommon Courthouse at present. The Courts Service has confirmed that the capacity of the courtrooms is limited and the facilities for court users are not satisfactory. The Courts Service has assured me that it is committed to providing improved court facilities in Roscommon town which is one of a small number of county towns where a new or refurbished courthouse remains to be provided.

I am informed that, with the departure of Roscommon Council from the building later this year, the Courts Service has considered the potential for the development of the courthouse. It is understood that the initial assessment is that the courthouse could be suitably redeveloped within the historic structure if the Courts Service had all of that building available to it along with some additional space adjoining it. As the Deputy will appreciate, the cost of acquiring the additional space would be a major factor in deciding whether to redevelop the historic courthouse or to provide a new building on a new site. While the Courts Service currently does not have funding to undertake work in Roscommon, they have assured me that the development of courthouse facilities in Roscommon town is part of its plans for the future.