Courthouse in Tralee to be surveyed

COURTS REPORT SHOWS WAIT TIMES IN KERRY LOWEST IN THE COUNTRY

THE Courts Service is carrying out a survey of Tralee Courthouse to examine what refurbishment works are required in the building to meet the courts’ future needs.

In its 2017 Annual Report the Courts Service said it has hired a contractor to carry out pilot surveys at four courthouses – including Tralee – to determine their condition and identify works that could be completed in the existing buildings to meet ongoing requirements.

The courts service said that the result of the surveys will “inform the procurement process” and the manner in which a further nationwide survey will be undertaken.

In the report the Courts Service also identified Tralee Courthouse as one of five courthouse buildings around the country which require major improvement works or entirely new premises.

“Work continued during the year to identify and acquire sites to progress these projects,” said the report.

The Courts Service has proposed moving the court to another location in Tralee, though this is widely opposed locally.

While Tralee District Court is regularly cited as being one of the country’s busiest, the report also reveals that waiting times at the court are among the shortest in the country.

Criminal cases came before the court within eight to 12 weeks. This compares to an average wait of 24 to 28 weeks in other courts. Meanwhile family law cases are usually brought before the District Court in Tralee within four weeks, with civil matters typically progressed in eight weeks.