Neasa Hourigan (Dublin Central, Green Party)
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115. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if the Courts Service own the curtilage of the Court House, Washington Street, Cork; if planning permission exists for a car park at the curtilage of the courthouse; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7006/22]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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Under the provisions of the Courts Service Act 1998, management of the courts is the responsibility of the Courts Service which is independent in its functions. However, in order to be of assistance to the Deputy, I have had enquiries made with the Courts Service regarding the Court House on Washington Street in Cork.

I am informed that with the exception of a limited amount of plaza space at the front of the courthouse, the footpaths and on street public parking in the streets surrounding the courthouse are in the ownership of Cork City Council. The area in front of the courthouse indicated by the Deputy belongs to the Courts Service and is used to facilitate parking by travelling judges and contractors providing maintenance services when there is no other available parking at the back of the courthouse. Removable barriers are installed to prevent public parking in this area.

I am further advised that Courts Service local management have undertaken to review the use of this area and will contact Cork City Council with a view to exploring options going forward.