Waterford Courthouse has been reopened today, Monday 09 April, after a €26 million refurbishment and extension was completed.

Minister for Justice and Equality, Charlie Flanagan TD, opened the courthouse.

It is now 6000 square metres in comparison to its previous size of 1000 square metres.

Mr Flanagan stressed the importance of having the appropriate facilities available: "A lot of cases come before the Court each year, cases which represent, for a lot of the people involved, stress. A courthouse is a place where life-changing decisions can occur. It's a place where complex and sensitive issues that affect people's lives are dealt with. It can be intimidating and that's why it is so good to see the additions here. The new Courthouse has a vulnerable witness suite, a victim support room, a legal practitioners' room, as well as consultation rooms, a jury reception room, enhanced custody facilities and other support facilities."

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The Minister has opened four other brand new or newly refurbished courthouses in recent months. The Waterford Courthouse follows openings in Drogheda, Letterkenny, Wexford and Limerick.

The Waterford Courthouse refurbishment is part of a €2.25 billion infrastructure stimulus programme.

Mr Flanagan added: "I hope later this year, Mr Justice Clarke and I will be presiding over the completion of another two substantial refurbishments and extensions in Cork and Mullingar."

(CM/MH)