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Go-ahead for new family-courts complex

The Minister for Justice has welcomed the granting of planning approval for a new family-courts complex at Hammond Lane in Dublin.

Helen McEntee described agreement on the part 9 planning application as “a major milestone” in delivering the project.

“I recognise that the present facilities in central Dublin – at Dolphin House, Chancery Street, Phoenix House and in the Four Courts – do not adequately meet the needs of those children and families navigating the family-law process,” the minister added.

She said that the complex would be built with the specific needs of family-law users in mind and would provide a modern facility where family-law cases could be held in a “dignified, secure, and non-threatening environment”.

'Momentum'

The Courts Service has also welcomed the granting of planning permission.

Angela Denning (chief executive officer) said: “There has always been a determined focus by the Courts Service going back many years to bring this important project to fruition.

There is now momentum behind this project and we look forward to working with the Office of Public Works and the National Development Finance Agency to deliver this much-needed facility as quickly as possible.”

19 courtrooms

According to the plans, the complex will comprise 19 courtrooms and a number of virtual courtrooms, mediation and support facilities, offices, accommodation for judges and staff, custody accommodation, a double ESB sub-station, and all other ancillary accommodation.

The public entrance will be located facing Bow Street/Smithfield, with a staff entrance on Church Street, and vehicular entrance on Hammond Lane.

Angela Denning told the Gazette last year that she expected the complex to be up and running by 2028.

The existing site is pictured below.