Fine Gael TD for Dún Laoghaire, Mary Mitchell O’Connor, has today (Monday) welcomed the news that Dún Laoghaire courthouse will not close as previously proposed.

“It has been confirmed this morning that Dún Laoghaire courthouse will not close as planned. This news comes on the back of very strong submissions from local solicitors, councillors and members of the community to the consultative process.

“The court has been there since the 1880s and there is no doubt that closing it would have been devastating for Dún Laoghaire.

“Since late last year, I have been making representations to the Department of Justice and my Government colleagues, and I have had meetings with solicitors and business associations about the possible impact of the closure. This is a sensible decision which will benefit the whole community.

“Cases that would have been referred to Blanchardstown, Dolphin House or the Courts of Criminal Justice in the city centre will now be heard in Dún Laoghaire, meaning the public, Gardaí, and solicitors will not have to travel. This is also very good news for local businesses that benefit from footfall of the courthouse.

“I would like to commend everyone who made submissions and those who contributed to discussions about the courthouse, in particular the Business Improvement District (BID) taskforce for Dún Laoghaire who made a signification contribution.”