Louis J. Belton
Ceist:238 Mr. Belton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason court sittings have been discontinued in Ballymahon, County Longford; and if this decision will be reconsidered. [27008/98]
Written Answers. - Court Accommodation.
Court sittings in Ballymahon were adjourned to Longford by the District Court judge in May 1996 due to the poor condition of the courthouse in Ballymahon. In October last I reviewed such adjournment arrangements, following consultation with the Attorney General's office, and decided to formalise the merging of Longford and Ballymahon district court areas pending the availability of suitable accommodation at Ballymahon.
I intend to restore court sittings at Ballymahon if suitable accommodation to meet the needs of the District Court judge can be provided by Longford County Council. It is proposed to refurbish Ballymahon courthouse as part of the courts building programme but it is not possible at this stage to provide a timetable for the work to commence. In the meantime, however, if suitable temporary accommodation is provided then I will make an order reinstating Ballymahon as a district court area and court sittings can resume there.