Search Results for 'District Court Office'

The controversial news this summer that the Courts Service was to close the court houses in Swinford and Ballyhaunis led to fears that the closure of those courts would see a further centralising of the administration of justice into Castlebar. Both court houses are due to close at the end of the year, but this week Fine Gael TD Michelle Mulherin has said that district court business, such as criminal, licensing, and civil cases from Swinford will move to Ballina rather than to Castlebar as first expected. Mulherin welcomed the decision of the Courts Service to amalgamate Swinford District Court with Ballina which she said should ensure the future viability of Ballina District Court Office.

Judge Mary Devins this week lashed the proposed closure of a number of courts in the county — a move which will see several sittings being moved to Castlebar. The venue in which Judge Devins chose to make her feelings known — Kiltimagh Town Hall, which has hosted the sittings of both Claremorris District Court and Kiltimagh District Court for the past number of years — along with Swinford, is one of the venues set to be cut by the Buildings Subcommittee of the Court Services.

After months of speculation it has been confirmed that the District Court Office in Ballina is to remain open. The announcement was made by Fianna Fáil TD Dara Calleary, who revealed this week that he has been engaged in talks to secure its retention for the past 12 months. Deputy John O’Mahony has also received written confirmation from the courts service that there are no plans to close Ballina and transfer staff to Castlebar.