Jim O'Keeffe
Question:236 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if the district court office in Bandon, County Cork, will close; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16964/97]
Written Answers. - Courts Accommodation.
As part of my Department's ongoing courts building programme to provide modern office accommodation and court facilities such as family law court room, consultation rooms and other modern facilities and general improvements, priority is given to refurbishing courthouses where staff are located. On this basis Bandon courthouse would now be due for refurbishment.
I am aware that the staff in the District Court office in Bandon are working in very cramped conditions and my Department is anxious to provide them with better office facilities as soon as possible. However, as there is no space available to provide for the necessary expansion at Bandon courthouse consideration is being given to transferring the District Court Office to Clonakilty where there is space available at the rear of the courthouse for an extension to be added to the building which would incorporate both modern office and court facilities.
It is intended that when the work on Clonakilty courthouse is completed and the staff have been transferred, Bandon courthouse will be refurbished and the space vacated by the office staff will be used to provide modern facilities for court sittings at Bandon. Court sittings at Bandon would not be affected by this proposal. I intend to announce my decision in the matter in the near future.