Court sittings to resume in Mullingar Courthouse early next year

The refurbishment and extension of the courthouse building is nearing completion and is on budget, the Westmeath Examiner reports.

The three-courtroom building will be able to host civil, criminal and family law cases, and will allow Circuit Criminal Court jury trials to take place in Mullingar again for the first time in years.

A spokesperson for the Courts Service told the Examiner that the work being carried out is of “great complexity”.

He added: “The project is creating 21st century facilities, whilst respecting and enhancing traditional and ancient architecture.

“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.”

Since October 2015, court sittings in Mullingar have taken place in St Loman’s GAA Clubhouse.