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 the Courts Service has advised me that they are currently in the process of transferring the Birr Courthouse building to Offaly County Council for community use. Contracts were executed in late December and the transfer is expected to be completed shortly. In line with Courts Service policies, the building was transferred for no consideration.