Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 17 May 2000

Vol. 519 No. 3

Written Answers - Court Accommodation.

Michael Ring

Question:

209 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a courthouse (details supplied) in County Mayo will be upgraded particularly as the judge has now refused to hold court setting in the building; the plans he has to refurbish the building; the funding, if any, allocated to the building in the last ten years; if his Department will assist those people from north Mayo who now have to travel to Ballycroy to attend court sitting at extra costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13770/00]

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

I am informed by the Courts Service that the existing court accommodation at the courthouse referred to by the Deputy is very poor and does not comply with health and safety standards or provide reasonable facilities for court users, members of the judiciary or staff.

Over the last number of months the Courts Service has actively tried to find an alternative venue that could be used to house the District Court on a temporary basis until such time as a new purpose built Courthouse is constructed. The Courts Service has already had discussions with Mayo County Council about possible sites or other opportunities that may exist to provide a purpose built courthouse in the area in question as a matter of urgency.

I have been informed by the Courts Service that it is not possible to say what level of funding has been allocated to the courthouse in question over the last ten years as the maintenance of the building has rested with Mayo County Council in accordance with the provisions of the courthouses (Provision and Maintenance) Act, 1935.

I understand that the Courts Service is committed to providing District Court facilities in the area in question both on a temporary and permanent basis as soon as is practicably possible to minimise any inconvenience to the court users of North Mayo.