Catherine Ardagh (Dublin South Central, Fianna Fail)
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180. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality his plans for a purpose-built family law court complex at Hammond Lane in Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12740/25]

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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The construction of a purpose-built Family Law Court complex at Hammond Lane remains the priority Courts Service project in the National Development Plan. I am advised by the Courts Service, that the new Dublin Family Courts Complex will be a modern purpose-built facility where family law cases can be held in a dignified, secure and non-threatening environment with a range of support services to hand. It has been designed and will be built with the specific needs of Family Law court users in mind.

The six storey over basement building will provide 19 family law courtrooms, staff and judicial accommodation, consultation space, facilities for the Legal Aid Board, legal practitioners and a range of services that operate in the area of family law including mediation services and providers of domestic violence support services. The building will have a variety of public waiting areas including child and family friendly waiting areas and will be fully accessible.

Planning permission for the development was granted on 2 April 2024 by the Office of Public Works under Part 9 of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001. The Dublin Family Courts project will be delivered by way of Public Private Partnership (PPP). The project is being procured by the NDFA in conjunction with the OPW using the Competitive Dialogue procurement procedure pursuant to EU and national procurement law. The procurement process comprises three stages.

I am informed that, the first stage, the shortlisting of candidates, has been completed. Stage 2 of the procurement process will commence later this year. Current timescales envisage that construction will commence in 2026. Upon completion, the Dublin Family Courts will replace the existing family law facilities in central Dublin at Dolphin House, Phoenix House, Chancery Street courthouse and in the Four Courts.