asked the Minister for Justice if he is aware that Laois County Council were unanimous in their protest against the closing of Portlaoise Courthouse for all meetings and functions; if he will receive a deputation of all the members of the Dáil for the constituency and members of the County Council in order that he may satisfy himself that this action is without any justification; and if in view of the fact that there is no town hall in Portlaoise he will authorise that the courthouse be made available on reasonable conditions for the holding of all meetings of organisations and societies in Portlaoise.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Portlaoise Courthouse.
189.
I have not received any protest from the Laois County Council regarding Portlaoise Courthouse.
I understand that arrangements are being made to execute some minor structural works as soon as possible so as to enable portion of the premises to be let for occasional purposes and I do not therefore think that there is any need for a deputation on the matter at the present juncture.
Over the years there have been complaints from practically every county about the antediluvian courts. Is it not time something was done about them, generally?
The complaint to which Deputy Flanagan refers is that the town hall is not made available for meetings.
It is nearly in pieces. I was down there the other day.