Due for completion towards the end of 2009, the Criminal Courts Complex is the largest courts project undertaken in the State since the building of the Four Courts itself.
The 10 storey high building contains 22 double height courtrooms, 16 of which are jury courts. The use of separate horizontal and vertical circulation routes has been developed to create an innovative solution that meets the sustainable and functional requirements of modern court houses.
Jury assembly and dining rooms, a public restaurant and accommodation for the Irish Courts Service, the D.P.P., Bar Council as well as Garda and advocate rooms complete the circular form.
The building will be an exemplar of sustainable design. Its unique environmental bronze and glass veil will at once demonstrate the weight of justice, its strength & materiality while simultaneously controlling light and acoustics within the courtrooms. The ‘Great Hall’ is the central heart of the complex, providing a simple legibility to public circulation.
Parkgate Street, as the natural extension of the city’s North Quay, is ideally suited to continue the tradition of placing important public buildings either on, or within site of the river frontage.
