The Minister for Justice, Mr O'Donoghue, has approved the contract for a new courthouse adjoining Castlerea Prison in Co Roscommon. This will be the first courthouse built in Co Roscommon since the 19th century. There are 188 prisoners in Castlerea and plans are at an advanced stage for the provision of an extra 150 places. The £2 million courthouse at the prison will reduce the number of prisoners being moved to other courthouses around the State. Work will begin on the new facility in mid-October and will be completed by the middle of next year.