Monaghan Courthouse Restoration
The Minister said the county council is responsible for courthouse maintenance and that restoration began in late February, with completion expected in about 18 months; he had issued no directions for the project.
asked the Minister for Justice the directions, if any, that have been given by him in relation to Monaghan courthouse; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
19.
Comment on this
asked the Minister for Justice when it is proposed to commence work on the restoration of the courthouse in Monaghan town.
Comment on this
(Limerick East): I propose to take Questions Nos. 18 and 19 together. The position in law is that pursuant to the Courthouses (Provision and Maintenance) Act, 1935, Monaghan County Council are responsible for the provision and maintenance of courthouse accommodation in their functional area. I understand that work on the restoration of Monaghan courthouse started towards the end of February and is expected to take about 18 months to complete.
I have not considered it necessary to issue any directions in relation to that project and the only ministerial direction recorded in my Department in relation of Monaghan is one given in 1948. That was a direction under section 3 of the Act that accommodation be provided in Monaghan courthouse for the purposes of a second courtroom and for the transaction of business of returning officer assigned by law to the county registrar. These requirements are being met in the context of the reconstruction now in progress.