News
Minister for Justice Officially Opens New Drogheda Courthouse
10th July 2017
The new courthouse at Drogheda has been officially opened by Minister for Justice and Equality Charles Flanagan T.D. at a ceremony hosted by Chief Justice, Mrs Justice Susan Denham. Construction on the €8.4 million project began in January 2016 following the appointment of BAM Ireland, to deliver the Courts Bundle Public Private Partnership (PPP).
The courthouse comprises two courtrooms and associated facilities, and will facilitate both Circuit and District Court business. The 1,354m2 courthouse is located on a landmark town centre site adjacent to the River Boyne.
The Courts Bundle PPP involved the construction and refurbishment of seven landmark courthouses across Ireland. The Drogheda building is the first of the Courts Bundle to open. BAM will also manage the courts facility for a period of 25 years.
Welcoming the opening of the courthouse, Chief Justice Denham said: “I’m very pleased to see the first of the new courthouses opened. The modernisation of Ireland’s justice facilities is crucial for the effective delivery of courts services. This building will now play a central role in the administration of justice.”
Commenting on the project, BAM Ireland Chief Executive Theo Cullinane said: “We are very pleased to have been able to deliver this significant project for Drogheda. Our courts are key elements of State infrastructure, and it is a source of tremendous pride for BAM to undertake the construction, modernisation, and long-term maintenance of these important buildings.”
The modernisation of Ireland’s justice facilities is a key element of the Irish Government’s €2.25 billion Infrastructure Stimulus Programme. The six other courthouses featured in the bundle, are as follows:
· Cork City – The refurbishment and extension of the existing landmark courthouse building at Anglesea Street to accommodate six courtrooms, improved custody facilities, court offices, the regional office and associated facilities.
· Letterkenny, Co. Donegal – A new courthouse to accommodate four courtrooms and associated facilities to be constructed on a town centre site close to the existing courthouse.
· Limerick City – A new criminal courthouse to be built on a site adjacent to Limerick Prison, to include six courtrooms, custody facilities, court offices and associated facilities.
· Mullingar, Co. Westmeath – The refurbishment and extension of the existing historic courthouse in Mullingar to accommodate three courtrooms, improved custody facilities, court offices and associated facilities.
· Waterford City – The refurbishment and extension of the existing historic courthouse in Waterford to accommodate six courtrooms, improved custody facilities, court offices and associated facilities.
· Wexford Town – The refurbishment and extension of an existing landmark building to provide a new courthouse for Wexford Town consisting of four courtrooms, custody facilities, court offices and associated facilities.
BAM has a long track record in delivering building and engineering projects under the PPP model. BAM has previously completed twelve schools under the NDFA backed Schools Bundle 3 PPP and Schools Bundle 4 PPP. Work is ongoing on the €350 million M11 Gorey to Enniscorthy PPP motorway and the €230 million N25 New Ross Bypass projects for the National Roads Authority (NRA).
Theo Cullinane noted: “Social and productive Infrastructure PPP projects are a key element in BAM’s plans for Ireland. The Courts Bundle was the ninth addition to BAM’s overall PPP portfolio, and we will continue to seek out worthwhile projects where our expertise and experience can enrich communities across Ireland.”
