Paula Butterly (Louth, Fine Gael)
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670. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality for an update on the work of the Dublin Family Courts project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39494/25]

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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The new Dublin Family Courts Complex will be a modern, purpose-built facility where family law cases can be held in a dignified 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 the 2 April 2024 by the Commissioners for 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.

An extensive programme of site investigation and stabilisation works has recently been completed and current timescales envisage that construction will commence during 2026 and finish in 2028. On 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.