Coffey welcomes progress made on Waterford Courthouse

Fine Gael Waterford Deputy, Paudie Coffey, has today (Wednesday) welcomed further progress on the proposed expansion and refurbishment of Waterford City Courthouse. Deputy Coffey said this project is one of the key infrastructural projects that needs to take place in Waterford city to help rejuvenate its economy.

“This is an important issue that I have been working on along with the Fine Gael Waterford City Councillors for a long period of time. The Minister for Justice and Equality, Alan Shatter TD, has informed me that the Office of Public Works has recently completed a design for the extension and refurbishment of the Courthouse.

“The development will mean that the number of courtrooms will increase from two to six and facilities at the Courthouse will improve for all users. The planning process for the extension and refurbishment commenced on the 7th of November 2013 and the Private-Public Partnership procurement process will commence shortly. Minister Shatter has informed me that the construction phase will begin in 2015 and the new Courthouse will become operational in 2016.

“This is an important infrastructural project for the city and comes on the back of the construction of the new Waterford City Fire Station, that will allow for the extension and refurbishment of the new Courthouse. The total cost of this entire project is estimated at €20 million and is a significant investment from government in Waterford city.

“These are the types of strategic projects that will economically benefit Waterford in the long term. The trebling of the number of court rooms at the Courthouse will ensure that the number of cases that can be heard will increase significantly, leading to a boost to the local economy. I will continue to work hard with Fine Gael Waterford City Councillors to ensure this project is delivered as quickly as possible to assist in Waterford city’s recovery and build towards the future.”

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