Friday, June 13^th 2014

Fine Gael Dun Laoghaire TD, Mary Mitchell O’Connor, has today (Friday) urged interested parties to make submissions to the Courts Service to help prevent the closure of the town’s courthouse. Deputy Mitchell O’Connor added that closing the courthouse would have a negative impact on businesses in the town.

“The Courts Service is conducting a second round of consultation with local interests in Dun Laoghaire in relation to the proposed closure of the courthouse. I understand that the Court Service is looking at this in the context of efficiencies and how it provides services across the entire city, but it must take into account the negative impact the closure would have on the town.

“I am acutely aware of the concerns shared by local businesses about how they would be affected if the courthouse was to close. Dun Laoghaire is home to a considerable number of legal professionals who not only conduct business at the courthouse, but also bring increased trade to local restaurants, shops and cafes in the process.

“The courthouse is used each weekday, and deals with a range of adult and juvenile cases, as well as small claims cases. In my view its closure simply does not make sense. It is bound to result in cost implications for the local Gardaí if the closure plans go ahead, as officers would incur increased travel expenses to attend court hearings.

“The Courts Service has committed to write to all parties which were previously consulted during its original review last year asking them to provide further submissions. I am urging all interested parties locally to engage in this process and outline why the courthouse is needed in the town.

“This is not a done deal. It is incumbent on local representatives and business people to impress upon the Courts Service that closing the courthouse would be a retrograde step for Dun Laoghaire.”

Photograph from South Dublin Today