Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 March 2014
431. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if his attention has been drawn to the current poor state of a courthouse (details supplied) in County Leitrim; and if he will consider remedial works to allow a possible hand-over of this building to the community or the local authority. [12124/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder 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. However, in order to be of assistance to the Deputy, I have had enquiries made and the Courts Service has informed me that Ballinamore Courthouse is no longer in use for court sittings. As you will appreciate, the funding available to the Courts Service for the maintenance of buildings is limited and it must focus its resources on buildings that are in use for court sittings. The Courts Service has indicated that it is willing to consider alternative public use of the building and it will discuss the matter with the local authority.
