‘Grave concern’ for county’s ‘abandoned’ historic courthouse

Members of the judiciary have expressed serious concerns about the future of the county’s historic court building.

Hopes were dashed recently after there was no funding announced for the much needed repair and modernisation of the Roscommon Town courthouse. In July of 2025, an internal Courts Service memo also said that “significant funding is likely required to address structural issues” particularly with the courthouse’s roof.

Prior to that in May, Judge Keenan Johnson, who had previously presided over Roscommon Circuit Court, wrote to the Courts Service.

“It appears that the roof is leaking and that no efforts have been made to protect the building from the elements. This is a source of grave concern,” he said.

He added that he was always of the view that the monies spent, €1.5 million, on the temporary venue in Roscommon, which he described as “totally inadequate because it only has one courtroom”, “would have been better spent on remedial works in the old courthouse”.

“In any event we are now in the position that the old courthouse has been abandoned in favour of the new unsatisfactory venue,” he wrote.

He said that precipitation was entering through the roof and this needed to be rectified urgently.

“I sat in Roscommon for many years and while there were many issues in relation to the electrics and the roof, in general the building was fit for purpose. There is not a shadow of doubt that if the building is left in its current state the cost of refurbishment will increase substantially because of the damage to the fabric caused by exposure to the elements. Accordingly I am requesting that immediate efforts be made to make Roscommon courthouse wind and water proof pending commencement of the refurbishment.” He also highlighted that the courthouse is a protected structure, with an obligation to preserve the building.

While Judge Johnson accepted that Courts Service's resources were limited, he was firmly of the view that an approach should be made to the Department of Heritage for additional funding to preserve these buildings.

“It seems totally ridiculous that no additional funding is available given the architectural merit and historical significance of these courthouses.” In October of 2024, Judge Kenneth Connolly wrote to the Courts Service highlighting that the building was designed by Sir Richard Morrison in 1821 and completed approximately two years thereafter in 1823. He added that it suffered an almost catastrophic fire in 1882 but was re-built approximately two years later with the assistance of local philanthropy and an insurance payment.

“During this time, it was an important local centre, housing many important events, including an address in 1901 from Dr Douglas Hyde, who would become the 1st President of Ireland, and the unveiling in 1907 of the ‘Davitt Memorial Portrait’, in recognition of the work of the Land League in agitating on behalf of Irish tenant farmers,” he said. “The building also played host, I understand, to balls, musical events and many other important events of local cultural significance. Its value to the town of Roscommon is, to this day, physically impressive and of commercial and cultural significance.” He noted that he last sat as a circuit court judge in the building in December 2022, “and I understand that the building has been closed since that time, being maintained with minimal heat and weather protection”. At that time, part of the building was closed internally due to visible structural degradation, he continued.

“I am extremely concerned that the 'temporary' venue will become, at least, semi-permanent or that a worst-case scenario will see Roscommon Town court functions moved to an alternative venue, such as Mullingar. This would undoubtedly seal the fate of Roscommon Courthouse.” He was also critical of the current temporary courthouse on the Racecourse Road, citing concerns with parking and the absence of a second courtroom. When asked about this, the Courts Service said that a health and safety risk assessment was conducted prior to the building opening in December 2022. “However, as the Courts Service do not normally provide parking facilities at courthouses, this matter did not form part of the assessment.” When contacted, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage said there are two main grant schemes to support the protection of eligible heritage buildings and historic structures.

“The Built Heritage Investment Scheme (BHIS) and the Historic Structures Fund (HSF) are, in the main, administered by the local authorities,” a spokesperson said. “Roscommon County Council or another body is welcome to apply for funding for any structure deemed appropriate under these schemes. The closing date for applications under the BHIS for 2026 has passed, but the Historic Structures Fund remains open for applications until January 16th, 2026, with grants of up to €200,000 available.” The Courts Service said it has no access to funding from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage for works to Roscommon or any other courthouse.