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 Courts Service has informed me that they are now at an advanced stage in planning the proposed refurbishment of Mullingar Courthouse which is part of the Government's infrastructure stimulus package. The proposed refurbishment of Mullingar Courthouse is part of a bundle of seven courthouse projects currently being procured by way of Public Private Partnership. A preferred bidder has recently been selected and contract negotiations are at an advanced stage. The contract is expected to be awarded before the end of 2015, at which point construction work will commence.