Renewed calls for new Portlaoise Courthouse

There were renewed calls for a new courthouse in Portlaoise at a recent policing meeting. 

Fianna Fail Councillor Catherine Fitzgerald asked if there was any way the Laois Joint Policing Committee could advance the project. 

“Have we any news on a courthouse for Portlaoise? Or can we do anything as a Joint Policing Committee?” Cllr Fitzgerald asked. 

“I think the pressure has to come on. It is getting worse and worse every week,” she told the meeting in Portlaoise. 

A site for a new courthouse has been purchased but the project has yet to get funding and go to the planning stage. The land at Kylekiproe was purchased at a cost of €750,000 in 2020. 

Cllrs have previously sought to advance the development of a new courthouse. The issue was also raised by District Court Judge, Andrew Cody, who has criticised the existing facility. 

Independent Cllr Aisling Moran suggested writing to the Office of Public Works on behalf of the Committee. 

The issue was discussed at the latest meeting of Laois Joint Policing Committee.