I thank the Minister for coming to the House to deal with this important matter. I assume he has good news for me.
The Minister will be aware that Nenagh courthouse has been closed since 8 February resulting in considerable problems for members of the public and users of the courthouse. The courthouse is a very fine building, as are many courthouses throughout the country. It dominates Banba Square in the centre of Nenagh and is a building of considerable historic, architectural and heritage importance. However, the condition of the courthouse has deteriorated to such an extent that it is no longer suitable for public use. The Department found the building to be unsafe and took the initiative to close it to protect public health. This is very serious given that the county council, who currently has administrative offices in the back section of the courthouse, has indicated its intention to move out of the building into new county council offices in Limerick Road, Nenagh. This raises concerns for the future of the building. In fact, one public official mentioned selling the courthouse and turning it into a hotel. However, I and others are determined this will not happen.
North Tipperary County Council has stated that it is the responsibility of the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform to provide funds for the refurbishment and restoration of the courthouse, and I would be grateful if the Minister would clarify the matter. I have received correspondence also from the Tipperary and Offaly Sessional Bar Association expressing their concern about the matter and stating that it is their opinion that lack of funds is not the problem; the problem seems to be spending the funds. I would appreciate if the matter could be clarified because it is of considerable importance to the people of Nenagh. This afternoon I spoke to a barrister from the midlands who informed me that there is a similar problem in Portlaoise and that the courthouse in Longford has been closed for two years. I understand from other sources that there has been a local agreement in relation to Longford courthouse.
I want to put on the record that it is the unanimous view of the local community whom I consulted – even if the county council did not – that this building be retained in public hands and not be sold for commercial purposes or to fund the building of new county council offices. That would be an outrage and will be strongly resisted. I know I speak for the community in Nenagh when I say that it would be outrageous if a public building of this stature is sold and turned into a commercial operation in order to fund the expansionist mentality of the county council officials. Finally, this very fine building is badly in need of restoration and my question is who will carry out the repairs?
