Josepha Madigan
Ceist:1068. Deputy Josepha Madigan asked the Minister for Justice for an update on the status of the Hammond Lane Family Courts Complex site; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16434/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 18 April 2023
Ceisteanna (1068)
Freagraí scríofa
Reforming the operation of the family justice system to ensure that we have a more efficient and user-friendly family court system is a key continuing commitment in the Department's Justice Plan. The Programme for Government also contains a commitment to build a new Family Law Court building in Dublin.
The construction of a purpose-built Family Law Court complex at Hammond Lane is a key project in the National Development Plan and is being delivered as part of a PPP bundle.
The Hammond Lane complex will be built with the specific needs of family law users in mind and will provide a modern facility where family law cases can be held in a dignified, secure and non-threatening environment with a range of support services at hand. It will replace the present inadequate and fragmented facilities for family law in central Dublin at Dolphin House, Chancery Street, Phoenix House and in the Four Courts.
A Preliminary business case developed in compliance with the requirements of the Public Spending code was approved in principle in June 2022.
Detailed plans and layouts for the Hammond Lane building have been received from the OPW, which provide for a 5 storey over basement building, comprising 19 courtrooms, consultation rooms/spaces, staff and judicial accommodation, a variety of public waiting areas, space for mediation and domestic violence support services, accommodation for legal practitioners and custody facilities. Following receipt of the plans the Courts Service undertook a consultation exercise with stakeholders, during Q4 2022, during which in general the plans were very positively received.
The submission of the Part 9 planning application is the immediate priority for the Hammond Lane project, work on which is being undertaken on behalf of the Courts Service by the OPW. It is expected that the application will be submitted in the coming weeks and will be completed in advance of the tendering process.
In parallel to the Part 9 planning process, the NDFA has commenced preparations for a procurement process, including procurements for legal and technical advisors.
The procurement and construction stages of the project will be undertaken and managed by the NDFA and, in line with Government PPP procedures, it is anticipated that this key project will be delivered in the latter half of the current NDP.