As the Deputy will be aware, under the provisions of the Courts Service Act 1998, management of the courts, including the provision of accommodation for court sittings, 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 have been advised by the Courts Service that immediate health and safety issues were identified by the Office of Public Works following an inspection of Carndonagh Courthouse. As a result, unfortunately, court hearings could not continue at the courthouse in the short term.
The Courts Service is currently undertaking a review of all its courthouses. In view of the serious circumstances in Carndonagh, priority has been given to this courthouse and it is anticipated that this review will be carried out within the next three months.
I understand that the sitting of Carndonagh District Court, which sits once per month has been transferred to the nearest Courthouse, Buncrana Courthouse, which is just under 20 kms distance from Carndonagh. Carndonagh District Court will continue to sit in Buncrana Courthouse until the review is complete.