Retention of Southside courthouses welcomed

A DECISION not to close the courthouses in Dun Laoghaire and Tallaght has been welcomed across the Southside.

The future of both courthouses, as well as others in Dublin, were in doubt as they became the subject of a review of Circuit and District Court Services in the Greater Dublin Area.

However, after extensive consultation with court users across the city, county and justice sector, the Courts Service has decided not to go ahead with the proposed closures.

The Chief Clerk wrote to Breasal O Caollai of the Dun Laoghaire Business Association that the proposals could have resulted in increased costs across the justice sector and

“be organisationally challenging for other agencies in the sector

?.

“We engaged thoroughly and listened actively to what people told us,

? the chief clerk wrote.

“While the reorganisation as proposed would yield a significant benefit to the Courts Service, we have always been aware of the potential impact on court users.

“We are always cognisant of the needs of court users and of other justice sector agencies and have accordingly decided not to proceed with the reorganisation at this time.

?

The decision was hailed across the Southside.

Mr O Caollai said they were

“delighted

? with the decision.

Deputy Eamon Gilmore (Lab) also welcomed the decision by the Courts Service of Ireland to keep Dun Laoghaire courthouse open.

“I welcome the decision of the Courts Service to keep the courthouse in Dun Laoghaire open, which I was informed of Minister for Justice Frances Fitzgerald,

? Deputy Gilmore said.

“The Courts Service had been considering closing it and transferring the service to the new criminal justice facility in Dublin City and in Blanchardstown. Thankfully, they have reconsidered the decision and this is something I warmly welcome.

?

Deputy Mary Mitchell O’Connor
(FG) said the decision came on the back of very strong submissions from local solicitors, councillors and members of the community to the consultative process.

“The court has been there since the 1880s and there is no doubt that closing it would have been devastating for Dún Laoghaire,

? she said.

“Since late last year, I have been making representations to the Department of Justice and my Government colleagues, and I have had meetings with solicitors and business associations about the possible impact of the closure.

“This is a sensible decision which will benefit the whole community.

?

In Tallaght Cllr John Lahart (FF) said the retention of the District Court there was a

“victory for common sense

?.

“It made sense to decentralise court cases to local districts and the courthouse in Tallaght has been very successful,

? he said.

“I hope it will continue to serve the community and that legal business will not be taken out of the area.

?

Cllr Mick Duff (Lab) added:

“As Chair of the Tallaght Area Committee, I wrote on behalf of the Tallaght councillors expressing our opposition to the proposed closure and the implications that closure would have on Tallaght citizens and indeed on the local economy.

?

Labour councillor Pamela Kearns stated:

“This decision will also be welcomed by those who use the building, including the legal profession, the gardai and members of the public.

?