asked the Minister for Justice if there are any plans for the replacement of the courthouse at Howth, Dublin; and, if so, what stage has been reached.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Howth (Dublin) Courthouse.
57.
Owing to the unsatisfactory condition of the courthouse building in Howth it was necessary recently to discontinue its use for court purposes. Suitable alternative accommodation for the court has been provided in rented premises.
There are no plans at present for the replacement of the former courthouse. I may mention that the committee on court practice and procedure have recommended in their twelfth interim report that district court sittings at Howth should cease and that the business at present transacted there should be transferred to the central courts in Dublin. Consideration of the committee's recommendation has not yet been completed.
From the Minister's reply I take it that the court is to be moved into town at a time when the area is expanding at a rapid rate? This area has expanded very rapidly in the last number of years and now the court is being moved from Howth.
If the Deputy reads my reply he will see that I did not say that. The committee on court practice and procedure have recommended this course in their twelfth interim report but I have not taken a decision on the matter as yet.