Fine Gael TD for Dublin Fingal, Alan Farrell is pleased with the confirmation that the Courts service and Fingal County Council intend to meet in the near future to discuss the possibilities for improved court accommodation in Swords.
“As a member of the Oireachtas Justice Committee in the 31st Dáil, I took the opportunity to question the Chief Executive Officer of the Courts Service on the future of Swords Courthouse, and the possibilities that exist in terms of improving the accommodation for the court in Swords. I also questioned whether the building could be utilised to provide further public amenities to our community in Swords.
“I understand, as confirmed by the CEO of the Courts Service, that they are to meet with Fingal County Council in the near future to discuss this and determine what possibilities exist.
“There has been on-going commentary regarding the conditions within Swords Courthouse for those who use it, including members of the public, the legal profession, and the judiciary for many years. Action is needed to upgrade the Courthouse and ensure it meets the requirements of the Courts Service. Fingal County Council have a proposal for the development of a cultural and civic facility on the site behind the building and it may be possible to enter into a joint venture in order to provide some form of mutually beneficial space for both the Courts Service & Fingal County Council.
“When the Courts Service appeared before the Oireachtas Justice Committee, I requested that they engage with Fingal County Council to see if the conditions within the Courthouse could be addressed as part of the Council’s proposal, while also possibly providing space in the Courthouse building for further cultural or civic amenities to serve our local community.”