Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 28 Jan 1998

Vol. 486 No. 1

Written Answers. - Court Accommodation.

Cecilia Keaveney

Question:

794 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the plans, if any, he has to improve the court facilities in Donegal in 1998 which are urgently needed, particularly in the Buncrana and Inishowen district; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2108/98]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. O'Donoghue):

The provision and maintenance of court accommodation in County Donegal is the responsibility of Donegal County Council.

There are five dedicated courthouses in County Donegal at present, which are located at Donegal town, Letterkenny, Glenties, Buncrana and Carndonagh. I would also refer the Deputy to my reply today to Question No. 775 regarding sittings of the Disctict Court at other venues in County Donegal.

As the Deputy may be aware, the courthouses in Letterkenny and Donegal town were refurbished in 1993 and 1994 respectively. While plans have been drawn up for the refurbishment of Glenties courthouse it will be necessary to consult with the Heritage Council in relation to our proposals before this work can be undertaken.

Plans have been finalised for the refurbishment of Buncrana for some time now and Donegal County Council sought tenders for the project last autumn. However, I understand that no tenders were received by the county council and it is currently considering the options open to it, including retendering, with a view to commencing work on this project as quickly as possible.

With regard to Carndonagh, the Deputy may be aware that Donegal County Council is considering the provision of a local area office in the town as part of its decentralisation programme. It has been suggested that new court facilities could be provided as part of such development. Officials from my Department will be meeting with Donegal County Council shortly to discuss how this project might proceed and to review progress on the other projects at Buncrana and Glenties.