Carol Nolan (Laois-Offaly, Independent)
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578. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality when funding will become available to complete the new courthouse project at Kylekiproe, Portlaoise, County Laois; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27537/22]

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 the exercise of its functions.

However, in order to be of assistance to the Deputy, I have had enquiries made and the Courts Service has provided me with an update on this matter.

The Government's revised National Development Plan 2021 -2030 includes a number of Courts Service projects to be completed during the period of the plan, including:

ICT projects to support the Courts Service Modernisation Programme;

Provision of further new or refurbished courthouses in cities and county towns where facilities remain substandard. Locations where investment is needed include Galway City, Wicklow Town, Portlaoise, Tralee, Roscommon, Naas, Bray, Navan, Swords, Tallaght and Dun Laoghaire. In some of these locations, the proposed projects will include the provision of facilities for Regional Family Law Centres;

Family Law Complex on Hammond Lane to be developed by PPP;

A new Children’s Court in Dublin; and

Modernisation of the Four Courts complex.

The priority project for the period up to 2025 is the proposed new Family Law Complex in Hammond Lane. The timing and delivery of the remaining projects, will be dependent on the availability of funding over the remainder of the NDP.

Specifically in relation to Portlaoise, as the Deputy will be aware, the current courthouse is located in the town centre. The site at Kylekiproe will be used to build a new courthouse once funding becomes available. The purchase of the site was completed in 2020.