The provision of a new courthouse in Drogheda was one of seven courthouse projects included in the infrastructure stimulus package announced by the Government last July.
As the Deputy is aware, under the provisions of the Courts Service Act 1998, management of the courts, including the provision of accommodation for court sittings, is the responsibility of the Courts Service which is independent in exercising its functions. In order to be of assistance to the Deputy, I have had inquiries made and the Courts Service has informed me that it owns a site close to Patrickswell Lane and Linenhall Street West which was acquired from Drogheda Borough Council and the intention is that the new courthouse will be located there. I understand that a process is under way to determine the approach to the various projects planned and the timescales for all the projects will depend on that.