Plans to build a new family courts complex in Dublin moved forward this week with the publication by the National Development Finance Agency (NDFA) of the Contract Notice to initiate the first stage of the Public Private Partnership (PPP) procurement process, the pre-qualification/shortlisting of potential bidders.
Planning permission was granted by the Commissioners of Public Works in April 2024 for the purpose-built complex at Hammond Lane in Dublin 7.
The Dublin Family Courts complex will be built with the specific needs of family law users in mind. It will provide a modern facility where family law cases can be held in a dignified, secure, and non-threatening environment. It will replace the present inadequate facilities at Dolphin House, Phoenix House and at Chancery Street courthouse.
The six storey over basement building will include 19 courtrooms, consultation spaces, staff and judicial accommodation, a variety of public waiting areas, space for mediation and domestic violence support services, accommodation for legal practitioners and custody facilities.
Describing the progress as “a significant milestone”, Minister for Justice Helen McEntee said:
“The Dublin Family Courts complex is key to fulfilling the potential of the Family Justice Strategy and Family Courts Bill. This progress brings us one step closer to a better, more empathetic, and child-centred family justice system. The Dublin Family Courts complex will help families achieve the best possible outcome for their individual circumstances at what can be an extremely difficult and stressful time in people’s lives”.
Angela Denning, Chief Executive Officer of the Courts Service said:
“There has been a determined focus by the Courts Service going back many years to bring this important project to fruition. We will keep the momentum going and 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.”
It is anticipated that the complex will be completed during 2028.