Michael Harty (Clare, Independent)
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137. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the cost of the recent refurbishments to Waterford Courthouse; the amount paid to the owners (details supplied) of the location for the temporary relocation of the Courts Service there; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20235/18]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, 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 advised that the capital cost of the construction and refurbishment works at Waterford Courthouse are estimated at €25.9 million. An estimated €1.14 million was also spent on furniture, fittings and equipment. These works were carried out as part of a Public Private Partnership contract and, as such, payment will be made by means of an annual unitary charge payable for a 25 year contract term.

The Courts Service has further advised that this unitary charge covers not only the construction costs but also the cost of maintaining the building to a high standard and a wide range of facilities management services being delivered on site for the 25 year contract term. In addition, Courts Service ICT and court technology, which is not part of the Public Private Partnership contract, was installed at a cost of €327,000.

The Courts Service has informed me that while the Courthouse on Catherine Street was being refurbished court sittings and the Court Office relocated to temporary leased accommodation at Grace Dieu for the period from 18 May 2015 to 18 April 2018. A total of €1,383,186 was paid, which includes €515,625 in rent with the balance being adaptation/fit out costs and the cost of reversing some of the aforementioned adaptations as per planning requirements.