Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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82. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the status of efforts by the Office of Public Works to identify a site for the development of a new courthouse in Galway city; the criteria being applied in searching for such a site; and the next steps towards the development of a new courts facility in Galway city. [8248/17]

Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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94. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the status of efforts by the Courts Service to develop a new courthouse in Galway city; if funding has been allocated for this purpose; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8247/17]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 82 and 94 together.

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 providing improved court facilities in Galway city continues to be an objective. There is no scope to expand the facilities in the current courthouse building due to the nature of the building and the site itself. For this reason the Courts Service, with the assistance of the Office of Public Works, is actively seeking a suitable site for a proposed new courthouse in Galway City. Detailed specifications for the proposed new courthouse have not yet been developed. However, potential sites may need to be capable of accommodating an appropriately sized courthouse for the city, expected to be a six courtroom venue. The provision of a new courthouse in Galway City will depend on the availability of funds to purchase and develop any proposed site.

Seán Fleming (Laois, Fianna Fail)
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83. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding identifying sites for a project (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8386/17]

Brian Stanley (Laois, Sinn Fein)
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109. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the progress which has been made by her Department in working with the Office of Public Works to secure a site and begin planning for a new courthouse in Portlaoise. [8645/17]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 83 and 109 together.

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 the they have the objective of building a new and modern courthouse with all necessary court facilities in Portlaoise. The Courts Service has been trying to acquire a suitable site for some time. Two potential sites have been identified and both are currently being assessed by the OPW as to their suitability. Progress with regard to the development of a new courthouse will be dependent on the availability of funding.