It could be nine more years before the new courthouse in Tuam becomes a reality, East Galway TD Seán Canney has said.
The Independent TD called on the government to ‘up its game’ to deliver the courthouse after he was informed by the Minister for Justice that it could be as late as 2030 before it is delivered.
Meanwhile, he said, the existing building has fallen into complete dereliction and is ‘an eyesore in the town’.
“The new courthouse is included in the National Development Plan and this plan is now being extended to 2030,” said Seán Canney TD.
“The Minister confirmed in a written response that the Tuam project will now be delivered in the latter part of the revised timeframe.
“This is not acceptable, and I am calling on the Minister to expedite this project. The Court Services purchased an adjoining site almost 20 years ago, this building is now derelict along with the Courthouse building.”
Deputy Canney added that he understands that the OPW is to prepare a draft design of the new building following pre-planning discussions with Galway County Council planners.
But he said that this happened two years ago and that nothing has happened since.
“I am now calling on the Department to get on with the project. This site is available, the site is derelict and there is no reason not to bring forward this project without any further delay.
“Tuam needs a modern Court facility and this site needs to be rejuvenated to remove the unsightly dereliction that is an eyesore on the Dublin Road.”
