Fine Gael has welcomed the announcement that Mullingar Courthouse is to be extended and refurbished.

TD for Longford/Westmeath, Gabrielle McFadden, said she is delighted that a preferred tender has been identified.

She said: "I have been informed by the Minister for Justice and Equality, Frances Fitzgerald, that the global BAM group, which has an Irish base, and Dutch company PGGM, will be responsible for this project and six other courthouse projects around the country as part of a Public Private Partnership bundle.

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"The refurbishment and extension of the existing historic courthouse will accommodate three courtrooms, improved custody facilities, court offices and associated facilities.

"I have been in regular contact with the Courts Service regarding the progression of this project and I'm also pleased to learn that that the proposed alternative venue during the construction phase will be in Mullingar as it is important to keep services local.

"This is excellent news for the town. We will have a fine new courthouse in a prominent location. There will also be a dividend in terms of jobs being created during the construction phase."

(CD/JP)