A Donegal county councillor is urging government action to ensure that the court services are retained in Carndonagh.
The call comes as the town’s court service is to relocated to Buncrana for an interim period of four months during renovations at the Carndonagh Court House.
Cllr Albert Doherty has called on the “confidence and supply partners” in Donegal, Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil politicians to intervene on the situation.
Sinn Feín Cllr Doherty said: “The decision to adjourn the short term court sittings in Carndonagh and relocate to Buncrana for an interim period of four months is a very disappointing development.
“Mr Brendan Mc Donald, Western Regional Manager of the Courts Service has confirmed that he has visited the Colgan Hall and that the Court Service authorities are assessing the suitability and the court service needs at that location, likewise following his visit to the Court House in Carndonagh, he has indicated that in an initial assessment of the building, significant refurbishment works are required”.
“It is incumbent on government parties and government supporting parties under the “confidence and supply” arrangements to ensure that the court service is retained in the Carndonagh area, that the court house refurbishment work is delivered and that a stop is put to the reduction of services in rural Inishowen and Ireland.”
Cllr Doherty added that he will also seek the support of all solicitors and legal services in the county to lobby public representatives, the courts service and OPW and Justice departments to ensure the retention of court services in Carndonagh.