Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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353. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the cost of the provision of a new courthouse for Drogheda in County Louth; the timeframe for construction; the number expected to be employed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24515/15]

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 provision of a new courthouse in Drogheda 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 total estimated capital value of the seven courthouses in the tendered project is €135m. The Courts Service has informed me that a preferred bidder has recently been selected for the project. It is anticipated that a contract for the Courts projects will be concluded later this year and the construction timeframe for the project is estimated to be 18 - 24 months from the award of the contract. The Courts Service estimates that between 80 and 100 full time equivalents will be employed during the design and construction of the Drogheda project.