Written answers

Wednesday, 5 October 2016

Department of Justice and Equality

Court Accommodation Provision

Photo of Pat GallagherPat Gallagher (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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91. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality her plans for providing a new courthouse building for Donegal town, given that the current building is in need of replacement and not fit for purpose; her further plans and a site location for the new facility; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28909/16]

Photo of Frances FitzgeraldFrances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will be 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 at present there are no plans for a new courthouse in Donegal town. As the Deputy is aware, the new courthouse in Letterkenny, due to be completed before the end of 2017, 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.

Photo of Pat GallagherPat Gallagher (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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92. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality her plans for providing a new courthouse building in Dungloe as the present courthouse urgently needs replacement; if plans have been drawn up and a site location agreed for the new facility and if there is a timeline for replacement; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28910/16]

Photo of Frances FitzgeraldFrances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will be 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 there are currently no plans for a new courthouse in Dungloe. A site was acquired a number of years ago for a new courthouse but there are no plans for construction at present which is subject to the availability of funding. As the Deputy is aware, the new courthouse in Letterkenny, due to be completed before the end of 2017, 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.

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