Michael Cahill (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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1592. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if he will investigate if a modern, purpose-built property in Killorglin town, County Kerry (details supplied) can be considered for District Court sittings (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19925/25]

Michael Cahill (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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1618. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality to provide an update on the provision of a new Courthouse and services in Tralee, County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20466/25]

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 1592 and 1618 together.

Management of the courts and operational matters are the responsibility of the Courts Service, which is independent in the exercising of its functions under the Courts Service Act 1998 and given separation of powers in the Constitution. Matters pertaining to court buildings are the responsibility of the Courts Service. However, to be of assistance to the Deputy, my officials have made enquiries of the Courts Service and the following sets out the position in relation to the Deputy's questions.

With regard to Tralee, the development of a new and modern courthouse facility at Tralee is a key objective for the Courts Service and is included as a Courts Service project in the National Development Plan. A courthouse comprising four courtrooms and related facilities is envisaged as being required to meet current and future demand in Tralee.

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. The Courts Service is working to progress this project in line with the approval process under the Infrastructure Guidelines published by DPENDPR and is seeking funding through the revised National Development Plan.

I am further informed by the Courts Service, that the building used for court sittings in Killorglin closed in March 2017, when it became clear that the condition of the building posed serious health and safety risks. Killorglin court sittings were moved to Caherciveen courthouse where they continue to sit for one day per month for all Criminal, Civil and Family law matters.

The building owned by Kerry County Council at Library Place was visited by representatives from the Courts Service in November 2019. The premises was deemed unsuitable for District Court sittings at that time.

Courts continue to sit at Daingean Ui Chúis, Cahirciveen, Kenmare, Killarney, Listowel and Tralee.