Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 22 Apr 1997

Vol. 478 No. 1

Written Answers. - Court Accommodation.

Cecilia Keaveney

Question:

193 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Justice the current position in relation to the district courts which were closed at the start of 1997; if she will reinstate these courts subject to their not needing planning permission; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10468/97]

Minister for Justice (Mrs. Owen)

The Deputy will be aware that the need to rearrange certain district court sitting arose following queries raised in court in Milford, Co. Donegal, by a solicitor concerning planning requirements for the use of rented accommodation for sittings of the District Court and the subsequent decision of the District Court Judge in this regard.

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 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 am aware that Donegal County Council, as the local authority, which has the 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 and it would be inappropriate for me to preempt their decision in the matter.

Cecilia Keaveney

Question:

194 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Justice the plans, if any, she has to upgrade the current court facilities in Carndonagh and Buncrana, County Donegal in view of the fact that they are in urgent need of repair; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10469/97]

Minister for Justice (Mrs. Owen)

As the Deputy will be aware the provision and maintenance of court accommodation is the responsibility of the relevant local authority.

I understand that Donegal County Council are considering the provision of local authority offices in Carndonagh. They have suggested to my Department that new court facilities could be provided as part of any such development. My Department is awaiting definitive proposals from the county council so that all possible options for the provision of court facilities in Carndonagh may be evaluated.

With regard to Buncrana, plans for the refurbishment of the building have been prepared by a consultant architect employed by Donegal County Council who are acting as this Department's agents in this matter. Consultations have taken place with the Judiciary, the court staff and the local legal profession. Detailed final plans and costings are awaited from the architect before a decision can be made to proceed with the project.