This article is from page 42 of the 2006-07-04 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 42 JPG
THE Courts Service confirmed yesterday that it has resumed its search for a premises in Shannon to hold court sittings and has to date failed to identify new premises in Ennistymon.
It is now two years since the twice monthly courts at Shannon were relocated to the Ennis Courthouse following the re-opening of the 19th century courthouse in July, 2004.
Since then, Shannon residents have been forced to make the journey to Ennis Courthouse every second Thursday for the Shannon district court sitting with the attendant expense and inconvenience.
However, a Courts Service spokesman confirmed that following a review of court facilities nationwide, the need for court facilities has been identified in Shannon and the service has commenced a search for a facility to stage court hearings in the town.
He added, “the level of court business doesn’t warrant the Courts Service constructing a new building – instead we will be hoping to enter an arrangement with other agencies to allow us to use a building on specified dates.”
However, Barry Boland, Managing Director of Beaux Walk Properties, the company behind the €135 million redevelopment of Shannon said, “the people of Shannon could be justifiably very critical of all the public bodies who were all approached to locate in Shannon and declined.
He said, “We can’t do civic uses. We can design and build them, but the public bodies have failed to engage with us.”
Mr Boland said, “Except for us, no one has put money into Skycourt.”
The Courts Service spokesman said that the search for premises in Ennistymon has been unsuccessful to date. He said, “It has been quite frustrating and we are actively seeking alternative venues, but there is nothing there at the moment.
The spokesman said that the Courts Service is due to shortly advertise in its efforts to secure accommodation in Ennistymon.
The search comes after Judge Joseph Mangan expressed frustration with the current venue and stated that he will not sit in Ennistymon after September unless alternative accommodation is found.
Shannon-based councillor, Patricia McCarthy (Ind) said, “I would welcome the announcement. Shannon is Clare’s second town and does need a court. Already, we have lost Sixmilebridge court. Having the Shannon court sittings in Ennis is an inconvenience to everyone.”