Deputy Michael Ring, Fine Gael spokesperson on community, rural, and Gaeltacht affairs, has been in touch again with the Court Services in relation to the proposed closure of the Westport and Kiltimagh courthouses.
“I have been informed by the court services that they are ‘currently conducting a major nationwide examination of the best use of its resource’,” he said. “This examination must take into account the reality of the reduced availability of public monies. One aspect of this process is a study of the number of court venues we need to operate in each district. No county or district is being singled out for, or is exempt from, the process.
“At this point in time, there are no firm proposals in relation to the future of any venue under this examination. When the examination has been completed, any proposals arising from it will be put before the Courts Service Board for decision.’”
Deputy Ring again stated that it would be a very retrograde step to close the Westport and Kiltimagh courthouses. “Courthouses are part of the fabric of rural areas. I would again appeal to the Court Services not to close the courthouses in Westport and Kiltimagh,” concluded Dep Ring.
