Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 5 March 2026
426. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration to provide an update on the opening of Carrickmacross Courthouse for operation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17943/26]
View answerManagement of the courts, including matters related to the administration of the courts and provision of accommodation for court sittings, is the responsibility of the Courts Service, which, under the provisions of the Courts Service Act 1998, is independent in exercising its functions. In order to be of assistance to the Deputy, I have had enquiries made with Courts Service regarding the status of Carrickmacross Courthouse.
I am advised that Carrickmacross Courthouse has been refurbished to allow sittings to resume there when required. Extensive maintenance works have been carried out throughout the period of inactivity, including repainting the interior and improving the heating system. Work is underway to enhance the courtroom technology.
Certain sittings were held in the venue in 2025, pending the full ICT upgrade. Some circuit court sittings have been scheduled for Autumn 2026, and I am further advised by the Courts Service that there is now no impediment to courts sitting there in the meantime, subject to judicial approval.
