Michael Cahill (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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1104. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if we will address an ongoing issue in relation to plans for a new courthouse in County Kerry (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10983/25]

Michael Cahill (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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1107. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if a Court Service (details supplied) will be provided in Killorglin town, to serve Killorglin and the greater Mid Kerry region as a matter of priority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10998/25]

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take questions Nos. 1104 and 1107 together.

I am advised by the Courts Service that the existing Ashe Street site does not have sufficient space to provide a courthouse building on the scale envisaged. In December 2023, the Courts Service completed the purchase of a portion of the Island of Geese site from Kerry County Council for the purpose of building a new courthouse facility.

I am informed that the building that had been used for court sittings in Killorglin is owned by Kerry County Council. Court sittings stopped there in March 2017 when it became clear that the condition of the building posed serious health and safety risks. Court sittings were moved to Caherciveen Courthouse where they continue to sit monthly on the 2nd Thursday in the month. Courts also sit in Daingean Ui Chúis, Kenmare, Killarney, Listowel and Tralee.

Further progress with the Island of Geese and several others, as part of the Courts Service building projects in the National Development Plan, will depend on the next round of NDP funding. The construction of a purpose-built Family Law Court complex at Hammond Lane remains the priority Courts Service project in the National Development Plan.