James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for raising this important matter. The courthouse on Church Street has stood unused for a number of years. The building is a monument of historical significance in terms of the War of Independence and the Civil War. Deputy Michael Moynihan has been raising this matter for some time to try to make the building available for public use.

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 the exercise of its functions. However, to be of assistance to the Deputy, I have made inquiries and the Courts Service has provided the following update on this matter.

Kanturk courthouse is owned by the Courts Service but closed as a venue in 2010. To this end, the Courts Service would welcome an approach from the Office of Public Works, OPW, or local authorities that would see the building being put back into public use or community use. In the past, the Courts Service has worked closely with local authorities to ensure that disused courthouses, which are often of significant local importance, have been repurposed for community use. The Courts Service would favour the same happening with Kanturk courthouse.

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