Tralee Courthouse set for upgrade

TRALEE’S historic courthouse is set for a significant revamp in the near future according to Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald.

On foot of a Dáil query from Sinn Féin Laois TD Brian Stanley – regarding the state’s plans for Portlaoise Courthouse – Minister Fitzgerald identified the 182-yearold iconic Ashe Street building as a priority for urgent redevelopment.

The Minister said that when the refurbishment of seven courthouses across the country is completed later this year the Courts Service will begin the process of renovating five others, including Tralee.

“Following completion of this major programme of work, Portlaoise will be one of only five provincial venues still requiring new or upgraded courthouse accommodation, the others being Galway, Roscommon, Tralee and Wicklow,” she said.

“The Courts Service has confirmed that collectively these cities and towns will be the next priority for investment in courthouse facilities outside of the capital. The Courts Service is currently in the process of acquiring property for these projects as there is a requirement in all cases, except Wicklow, for new or additional property in order to undertake the projects,” said Minister Fitzgerald.

It is unclear if the additional lands being sought are wanted in order to extend the existing building or to house an entirely new court complex in Tralee’s outskirts.

Previous proposals to move the courthouse from Tralee town centre have been strongly opposed by the Kerry Law Society and businesses in the county capital.

File photo Tralee Courthouse.