James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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290. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality his plans for the vacant courthouse building in Kilcock, County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29362/19]

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 informed me that the review of the future delivery of court services in the District Court area of Kilcock has been completed and the Courts Service Board has recently decided to permanently close Kilcock Courthouse.  As the Deputy may be aware Kilcock Courthouse was closed in July 2016 on health and safety grounds and District Court sittings transferred just over 20 km away, to Naas.

The Courts Service has advised that the former courthouse building will be made available to other public sector organisations for alternative public or community use.