Vol. 475 No. 1
241 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Justice when the court in Moville, County Donegal, was set up; the location or locations used throughout the existence of its tenure; the number of people in whose district it served; the justifications for its closure; the plans, if any, there are to reopen the court; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4499/97]
In so far as records which can readily be consulted in my Department, the District Court office and Donegal County Council indicate Moville court was established at least since September 1935. The available records, show that the court in Moville sat in St. Eugene's Hall since the early 1950's.
The Deputy will be aware that the need to rearrange certain District Court areas arose following queries raised in court in Milford, County Donegal by a solicitor concerning planning requirements for the use of rented accommodation for sittings of the District Court and the decision of the District Court Judge that court sittings could not be held in such places, without specific planning approval.
Before arriving at his decision the judge had heard the views of a solicitor representing Donegal County Council who argued that such permission was not necessary. Following consultation with the Attorney General, other District Court areas including Moville where court sittings have up to now been held in non-court accommodation were rearranged so that hearings would be held in dedicated court facilities.
I understand that Donegal County Council, as the local authority, which has statutory duty to provide court premises has referred the question raised in relation to the need for planning consultation in these cases to An Bord Pleanála under section 5 of the local Government (Planning and Development) Act, 1963 for determination. I am awaiting the ruling by An Bord Pleanála in the matter before taking further action.
I am not aware of the number of people who reside in the District Court area of Moville.
