Fine Gael MEP Jim Higgins this week said he has been informed by the Court Service that no decision has been taken in relation to the closure of Ballyhaunis Courthouse. Mr Higgins had taken the matter up with the Court Service at the request of Ballyhaunis Chamber.
In a letter to Mr Higgins dated March 27 2013, Mr John Coyle, Head of Operations, Circuit and District Court states “I can confirm that Ballyhaunis Courthouse has, following the aforementioned review, been identified as a venue which should be considered for closure subject to a detailed assessment and the preparation of a business case I can confirm that no decision in relation to the future of Ballyhaunis Courthouse will be taken without prior consultation with local interested parties and Court users. The current position in relation to Ballyhaunis is that no decision has been taken to close the courthouse. The detailed assessment and local consultation in relation to Ballyhaunis is currently underway and is being lead by the Courts Service Regional Manager, Mr Brendan McDonald.”
Mr Coyle went on to say that “I will ensure that your views and the submission enclosed with your letter from Ballyhaunis Chamber will be taken into account in the decision making process.”
In a reaction MEP Higgins said “I am very pleased that the Court Service is giving serious consideration to the submission from Ballyhaunis Chamber. The submission is very professionally drafted and makes a compelling argument for the retention of the courthouse.”
