Pádraig Mac Lochlainn (Donegal North East, Sinn Fein)
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571. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality to set down the date for the commencement of the new courthouse in Letterkenny, County Donegal; her views on whether the car parking provision for the new courthouse is adequate; and the plans in place for the existing courthouse. [22046/15]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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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.

However, in order to be of assistance to the Deputy, I have had enquiries made and the construction of a new courthouse in Letterkenny is one of seven courthouse construction and renovation projects currently being procured via Public Private Partnership as part of the Government's Infrastructure Stimulus programme. The Courts Service has informed me that procurement of these projects is at an advanced stage. It is anticipated that a contract for the Courts projects will be concluded later this year and that construction will commence shortly after the contract has been agreed.

I am informed that the design for the new courthouse includes on-site secure parking which will resolve some of the parking issues experienced at the existing courthouse which is not regarded as having adequate parking to cater for the Gardaí, Irish Prison Service and the Judiciary on court sitting days. The site of the new courthouse is also close to the town's public parking facilities. I am also informed that the existing courthouse is in the ownership of Donegal County Council and therefore any plans for its future use would be a matter for the Council.