Future funding for Roscommon Courthouse still to be decided
Pic. Gerard O'Loughlin
The minister for justice said he could not currently give a commitment to fund the restoration and renovation of Roscommon Town’s historic courthouse.
Speaking to the media today in Athlone at the official opening of the Garda’s water unit base, Minister Jim O’Callaghan said he was well aware of the issue.
“Deputy Martin Daly has mentioned it to me as have other representatives from the locality. When it comes to courthouses, the OPW and my department engage. Obviously it all depends on the capital budget in terms of the Courts Service. I am well aware of it but I can’t give any commitment here on it,” he said.
OPW Minister Kevin Boxer Moran, who was also present and has previously indicated his support for the project, said he would continue to lobby on the issue.
The new temporary courthouse on the Racecourse Road first started to be used in December 2022, but a number of issues have arisen including the lack of a second courtroom, parking, and the acoustics in the former dancehall.
The Courts Service took possession of Roscommon Courthouse from Roscommon County Council in 2018. At the time it was estimated that it would take at least €1m to repair the roof and carry out electrical works. The Courts Service subsequently closed the building, which was built in 1828, due to health and safety reasons.
Concerns have been raised about the current condition of the historic courthouse’s interior which is increasingly dilapidated inside
