Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 28 Oct 1993

Vol. 435 No. 2

Written Answers. - Kanturk (Cork) Courthouse.

Frank Crowley

Question:

60 Mr. Crowley asked the Minister for Justice if she has any plans to provide funding for the upkeep, restoration and maintenance of Kanturk Courthouse, County Cork, in view of the fact that the Circuit Court has refused to sit there because of its condition.

Minister for Justice (Mrs. Geoghegan-Quinn)

The provision and maintenance of courthouse accommodation outside of Dublin City is the responsibility of local authorities under the Courthouses (Provision and Maintenance) Act, 1935. Any expenditure under the above headings would accordingly be borne by Cork County Council.

While the statutory position is as set out in the 1935 Act, the Government decided in March, 1990 to relieve local authorities of the financial burden of providing and maintaining courthouses, the cost of which would be borne by the State. Because of budgetary constraints however it has only been possible to implement this decision to a limited extent. The provision for capital expenditure has had to be allocated to those courthouses where the need was greatest.

My Department is currently prioritising all courthouse accommodation in need for attention with a view to ensuring that the major task of refurbishing courthouses can be tackled as quickly and effectively as resources will allow. I cannot give any indication at this stage as to when funds might be allocated for Kanturk courthouse.