Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 18 July 2013
565. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number and location of Courthouses that have been closed since March 2011; the number and location of planned closures; the costs of security and upkeep of closed courthouses; the current use of closed courthouses and future plans for their use; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36523/13]
View answerI wish to inform the Deputy that, under the provisions of the Courts Service Act 1998, management of the courts is the responsibility of the Courts Service which is independent in exercising its functions, which include the provision of accommodation for court sittings. However, in order to be of assistance to the Deputy, I have had enquiries made and have been informed that the Courts Service has been reviewing all aspects of its organisational and operational structures throughout the country with the specific objective of ensuring that the Service can continue to maintain the delivery of front line court services and an appropriate level of service to court users. I understand that no court venue has been singled out for or indeed exempted from the review.
In this context the Courts Service has established a general framework within which such venues are being assessed taking into account a range of criteria such as caseload, proximity to an alternative venue, physical condition of the building, availability of cells etc. The likely impact on other Justice agencies, such as An Garda Síochána and the Irish Prison Service, is also taken into account. The review identified a range of venues nationwide which, based on the criteria applied, could be considered for closure subject to a detailed assessment and the preparation of a business case in respect of each identified venue which has now commenced. I am informed that no decision on an individual venue is taken without prior consultation with local stakeholders. It should, however, be noted that the final decision is a matter for the Courts Service Board. Under the statute I have no role or function in the matter.
I am informed that a total of 16 venues have been closed since March 2011, in the following locations: Enniscorthy, Athenry, Ballymote, Borrisokane, Boyle, Castlecomer, Castleisland, Castletownbere, Claremorris, Ennistymon, Kiltimagh, New Ross, Portarlington, Roscrea, Shannon, and Templemore. With the exception of Enniscorthy which was closed on 1 May 2011, the venues listed above were closed on 1 January 2012. The Service has indicated that Ballyconnell, and An Spidéal will close on 1 September 2013.
At its meeting on 1 July 2013, the Courts Service Board approved the closure of venues at Ballyhaunis, Baltinglass, Birr, Clones, Edenderry, Kells, Kinsale, Swinford, I am advised that a date for the closures has not been determined but it is likely that they will close on or before 1 January 2014. , Also at that meeting, the Board decided to defer the decision regarding the future of Skibbereen until the autumn.
The Service has stated that many of the smaller courthouses around the country have remained in the ownership of the local authorities. In the case of the closure of such a court venue, the building is available to the local authority for alternative use. In the case of the closure of a courthouse building which has been vested in the Courts Service, the Service will consider requests for the transfer of ownership of such buildings to other public bodies. The Service liaises with local authorities and the Office of Public Works about potential alternative uses. In recent years, four courthouses have been transferred to local authorities for use as community facilities, including as an arts centre and a youth cafe. The Courts Service is currently reviewing its policy on the disposal of property. There are five courthouse buildings in Courts Service ownership that are not used as court venues. Of those, one will shortly be transferred to the Office of Public Works and another is in use for storage. In 2012, the total costs associated with the five buildings was €27,000.
