Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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162. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the status of a new courthouse in Tralee, County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20121/17]

Frances 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 their objective is to provide improved court accommodation in Tralee which has been on its agenda for some time. The scope for refurbishing and developing the existing courthouse on Ashe Street to provide the range of services expected in a modern courthouse is extremely limited due to the nature of the building and space constraints. Accordingly, the Courts Service is currently considering a number of options for Tralee Courthouse including whether it should build a completely new courthouse on a new site or whether it is feasible to consider refurbishment and extension of the existing courthouse if an adjacent town centre site could be purchased.