Questions have been raised over when a new courthouse will be constructed in Portlaoise.
These come following an inquiry from Independent TD for Laois-Offaly Carol Nolan.
The site for the new building is to be at Kylekiproe which was purchased at a cost of €750,000 and completed in 2020.
However, the Courts Service has also confirmed to the Independent TD that it can provide no timeline for when the construction of the new facility will begin as this can only happen ‘once funding becomes available’.
Deputy Nolan, who is also a member of the Dáil Rural Independent Group, says that she has now taken the matter up with the Minister for Justice Helen McEntee.
She said: “The Courts Service has been saying for some time now that proper investment is needed as part of a long-term strategy for our court buildings, as part of its modernisation programme.
“In fact, the Government’s own National Development Plan 2021 -2030 referenced a number of Courts Service projects to be completed during that time and this specifically included Portlaoise courthouse because it was a clear example of where facilities have remained substandard.
“That sense of urgency was the whole point of making the significant investment of three quarters of a million euros for the site at Kylekiproe.
“Unfortunately, we seem to be no closer to actually getting a fit for purpose courthouse with facilities and spaces where people’s privacy and dignity can be maintained.
“We know this is especially important when issues around family law or indeed domestic violence come before the courts.
“I will be following this matter up with Minister McEntee and the Department of Justice until we know precisely when the Courts Service can be given the go ahead for the construction of the new courthouse.”
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