Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 12 June 2025
418. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration 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. [31516/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraManagement 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 a responsibility of the Courts Service.
I am advised that the development of a new and modern courthouse facility in 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 further advised 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 intends to progress work at the Island of Geese site at the soonest opportunity, in line with the approval process under the Infrastructure Guidelines published by the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery, and Reform and is seeking funding for this project through the revised National Development Plan.
