Serious concerns are emerging in Kildare Town about the future of the local courthouse. Rumours have been circulating that the historic building may face imminent closure as a result of cutbacks.
Cllr. Tony O’Donnell says that there is a very real prospect that the regular sittings may soon become history.
“Rumours have been circulating locally that the town’s historic courthouse may soon close. I have written to the Courts Service about the matter, and their response does not inspire confidence.
“They have indicated that under their capital programme, they intend to prioritise and upgrade buildings that host five day per week sittings. While sittings regularly take place in Kildare, the courthouse does not fit these criteria. While they say that no decision has been taken, it would seem that Kildare is on the chopping block.
“The loss of the courthouse would have an impact on local business, as the regular sittings attract custom to the town. It is also a clear symbol of justice being accessible locally.
“I am also very concerned about the future of the building. Up to a few years ago, it was also home to the local roads office. This function was transferred to Newbridge, and without the regular court sittings, I am very worried that it may fall into disrepair.
“The State does not have a great record when it comes to unoccupied public buildings in Kildare Town; Magee Barracks being a case in point.
“While I hope the courthouse remains open in its current form, if the Government do decide to close it, then I think it needs to be given over for community use as a theatre or other common space.
“I intend to fight for it’s retention, but if closure is inevitable then I will work to ensure the town gets a new resource in its place.”
ENDS
Reply from the Courts Service…
Dear Cllr. O’Donnell,
I refer to the above and thank you for your e-mail.
The Courts Service has a Capital Building Programme underway throughout the country. You will appreciate that, having regard to the current economic environment, larger court venues which are operational five days per week and which can accommodate High, Circuit and District Court sittings together with Courts Service offices are
being prioritised.
At the moment the Courts Service is engaged in a detailed review of its structures, processes and courthouse locations. While all options are being considered, no decision has been taken at this point regarding the future of Kildare Courthouse.
I sent the following reply to the above, as follows…
Dear X
Thank you for your reply. I’m a little unclear as your mail refers to
the Capital programme. Does that mean that certain courthouses that do
not fulfil a five-day role may be closed in order to concentrate
operations into premises that do?
Regards
Tony
And received the following in response…
A chara,
I refer to the above and thank you for your mail.
A detailed review of the structures, processes and locations is
ongoing and while all options are being considered there has not been
a decision made to date.
As stated previously Court Venues that are operational on a 5 day week
basis with provision of office facilities are being prioritised.
At this stage I cannot put the matter any further.