€20 million City Courthouse Refurbishment works to begin in coming weeks – Minister Coffey

Fine Gael Waterford Minister Paudie Coffey has said that he was delighted to receive confirmation from his Ministerial Colleague, Minister of Justice Frances Fitzgerald TD  that the works for the refurbishment and extension of Waterford City Courthouse are due to begin in  the coming weeks after the contracts were signed.  Minister Coffey said the total cost of this project will amount to around €20 million and will expand the current number of court rooms from two to six.

Minister Coffey said “It has been confirmed to me by Minister Fitzgerald that contracts have been signed; and works are due to begin imminently on site.  I want to commend all of the different stakeholders that have come together and have delivered this project for the City.  It is expected that the new City Courthouse will be open and operating in 2017.

“Waterford City Courthouse currently houses two courtrooms and plans for its refurbishment and extension were announced back in 2012.  The works will see the size of the Court House expand from around 1,500sqm to almost 6,500sqm and will see the original building completely refurbished.  Works could not begin however until the new Waterford City Fire Station was complete and it expected that new €7 million facility will be officially opened early in the New Year.

“The trebling of the number of courtrooms at Waterford City Courthouse will bring in a huge amount of additional business to the city from the legal profession that will bring economic benefits to the City.  This is a strategic capital investment in the City and underpins it as the major urban centre in the South East Region.

“This investment is a major boost to the business district of Waterford City and when it is completed it will enhance opportunities for employment growth in the area of legal services and associated businesses.  This investment will complement the Viking Triangle Investment and the €10 million euro investment in the regeneration of the Apple Market Area of the City.  The works of the Courthouse will position the city well for the future and will ensure full capacity for all types of court hearings that will bring additional business and vibrancy to the City.

“The project entails refurbishment and extension of the existing historic courthouse; which is a James Gandon Building; his other works include The Customs House in Dublin and The Old Parliament Building on College Green in Dublin; the refurbishment works at the courthouse will also see improved custody facilities, court offices as well as associated facilities.”

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