Circuit Court judge backs call to reopen Donegal Town courthouse

A Circuit Court judge has said he hopes to see the courthouse in Donegal Town reopened.

Judge John Aylmer was speaking at the start of the Michaelmas sitting of Donegal Circuit Court, which is being held at Letterkenny courthouse.

Before the call over of the list, Barrister Mr Damian Crawford BL urged the Courts Service to “use all steed to restore the use of Donegal Town courthouse”.

Mr Crawford said that people were “substantially discommoded” by the closure.

Mr Crawford pointed out that jury panels were being taken far away from their “natural hinterland” and reiterated a call for the Courts Service to “use all possible steed” to ensure the reopening of the facility.

Noting Mr Crawford’s remarks, Judge Aylmer said: “I agree entirely with you”.

Judge Aylmer added: “I hope that the appropriate steps are taken to reopen Donegal Town courthouse. 

“The last I heard, some months ago, I was told that there was a health and safety concern. I have not heard anything since, but I will certainly follow it up.”

Last week, on a visit to Donegal Town, the Minister for Justice, Jim O’Callaghan TD, said he was committed to the return of the courthouse.

Donegal Town courthouse has been closed since September, with court attendees from as far out as Glencolmcille needing to now travel to Ballyshannon should they need to attend a District Court hearing. 

“I can’t have court services in every village or locality, but I am committed to getting the courthouse in Donegal Town,” Minister O’Callaghan said. 

“That will improve and help people to get access to the courts and be in court. In the interim, I will discuss with the courts service what could be done so that the system can operate efficiently.” 

The issue of the Carndonagh courthouse, which has been closed since 2019 due to an issue with the roof, was also raised with the Minister.

He said he was “primarily focussed” on the Donegal Town courthouse and added: “In terms of Carndonagh courthouse, that is something I will raise with Minister (Kevin) Moran, but I am conscious that it has been closed for a period of time.”