Cecilia Keaveney
Question:775 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the current position in relation to courts which were closed in County Donegal in 1997; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1673/98]
Written Answers. - Court Accommodation.
The Deputy will be aware of the need to rearrange certain District Court areas following queries raised in Milford District Court in January 1997 by a solicitor concerning planning requirements for the use of rented accommodation for sittings of the District Court.
I can inform the Deputy that I have recently decided, in the light of the ruling of An Bord Pleanála in the matter, to reinstate all of the District Court areas in respect of which sittings had been transferred following the decision of the District Court Judge at Milford District Court in January of last year. My Department has recently requested Donegal County Council to make the necessary preparations so that court sittings can resume in those District Court areas in County Donegal which were abolished. My Department is preparing the necessary ministerial orders at present which will be required to reopen these venues.
It is intended that court sittings will be resumed at these venues as quickly as possible when the necessary legal and logistical arrangements have been made.