‘I will continue to work to secure retention and refurbishment of Carn Court’

A Carndonagh County Councillor has welcomed the Courts Service's “recognition of the importance of sustaining access to justice in rural areas”, as the campaign to reopen Carn Court gathers momentum.

Cllr Albert Doherty received an official reply following his motion, which was adopted by Donegal County Council on November 24.

He says Carndonagh Courthouse, which has been closed for almost seven years, is a “vital resource” for the wider community of Carn and North Inishowen.

Cllr Doherty explains: “I welcome the Courts Service’s engagement on the future of Carndonagh Courthouse, which has been temporarily closed since March 2019.”

“The building is a vital resource for our local community. I will continue to work with others to secure retention and refurbishment of the building and the restoration of court services.”

“I also want to welcome discussions with the local community about the future use of the building, which must be clarified, progressed, and, with local agreement, concluded without delay.”

READ NEXT: Completion of new €20m Moville Community College a ‘hugely significant milestone’

Cllr Doherty was speaking following a very positive and well-attended meeting on the issue in Carn on Wednesday, December 17.

The meeting was chaired by local solicitor Ciaran MacLochlainn and attended by other local solicitors, County Coroner Dr Denis McCauley, local politicians, as well as interested members of the community.

Cllr Doherty reveals how a “determined commitment” to pursue and ensure the retention, refurbishment, and restoration of court services in Carndonagh, Buncrana, and Donegal Town emerged from the meeting.

The local Sinn Fein man has also welcomed a commitment from the Courts Service that there are no plans to close down or relocate Buncrana Courthouse, a building which also requires major investment and refurbishment.