Courthouse due to open in early 2018

The major refurbishment and extension project at Mullingar Courthouse is nearing completion and is on budget, with court sittings due to recommence there in early 2018.

When open, the building will have three modern courtrooms and will be able to cater for civil, criminal and family law cases.

It will also allow Circuit Criminal Court jury trials to return to Mullingar for the first time in many years and might also be used for Central Criminal Court trials.

Though the original plan was for opening in November of this year, Gerry Curran of the Courts Service says the work being carried out “is of great complexity”.

“The project is creating 21st century facilities, whilst respecting and enhancing traditional and ancient architecture,” commented Mr Curran.

“We have been working to an ambitious timeframe with the intent that construction works be completed in the final quarter of this year.

“This timeframe is largely being kept to – and we will allow a few weeks for internal fit out, furniture and ICT (Information and Communication Technologies) installation, and readying the building for public use. We plan to have court sittings in early 2018,” he said.

The completed project will provide much improved facilities for court users says Mr Curran, including universal accessibility, and will also result in the restoration of an important heritage building for Mullingar.

In October 2015, court sittings in Mullingar moved to St Loman’s GAA Clubhouse. The refurbishment of Mullingar Courthouse is one of seven projects included in a Courts Bundle which are being delivered by way of Public Private Partnership (PPP).