Michael Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

54. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the discussions his Department has had with the Courts Service in relation to the courthouse in Kanturk; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29336/24]

Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Courts Service has overall responsibility for Courthouses with the Office of Public Works (OPW) providing professional services as required. In this regard the Courthouse in Kanturk is owned by the Courts Service and they have responsibility for its maintenance.

The Office of Public Works (OPW) inspects the Courthouse site in Kanturk regularly, and carries out external maintenance services as required by the Courts Service. Emergency roof works have recently been undertaken on the Bridewell cell.

The OPW engaged a consultant, on behalf of the Courts Service, to prepare a Conservation Report for the Bridewell only. This completed report has been forwarded to the Courts Service who, we understand, are in the process of reviewing it.

The OPW were recently requested by the Courts Service to explore any options available to protect the heritage of the building. While the OPW can advise the Courts Service in this regard, in the past the Courts Service have worked closely with local authorities to ensure that disused Courthouses, which are often of significant local importance, are repurposed for community use. In that context, we understand from the Courts Service that they have engaged with Cork County Council in relation to the need for a long-term vision of making the site available for the benefit of the community.