Local representatives welcome agreement over tipp courts

There was good news for local court services last week with the announcement of proposals to revamp the courthouse and court office in Nenagh.
Last year fears emerged over a possible closure of Nenagh Courthouse amid a Courts Service review of efficiency in County Tipperary. It had been rumoured that local courts would be centralised in Limerick.
But last week CEO Brendan Ryan announced the authorisation by the Courts Service of the transaction of circuit court criminal, civil and family law business from a revamped Nenagh office. The Courts Service has also agreed to a refurbishment of the courthouse in Nenagh.
Among other provisions to be made are sufficient staff resources for the revamped office in Nenagh to enable it deliver its additional responsibilities. And an additional monthly court date is being provided in Thurles.

Minister Alan Kelly (Lab) said he had been in touch with the CEO of the Courts Service on the matter. 'I'm delighted that the courts senior management team have agreed to the implementation of the key recommendations within the report on the review of court services in Co Tipperary,' Minister Kelly said. 'I'm very confident that resources will be made available, this is very welcome news for the court services in County Tipperary.'

Fine Gael TD Noel Coonan said the Courts Service has made a submission to the Minister for Justice for the resources to implement these changes.
'This positive news follows ongoing contact between the CEO Mr Ryan and myself,' Deputy Coonan said, adding that he had met with the Minister for Justice and local solicitors about the situation. Deputy Coonan pointed out that the restoration of the district probate registry in Clonmel has also been agreed to.
Nenagh councillor Seamus Morris (SF) also welcomed the news: 'This is a rare victory and a welcome relief for rural Ireland,' he stated, adding that he had met with the representatives of legal professionals and Tipperary County Manager Joe MacGrath on the matter.
But, Cllr Morris warned, 'We must stay vigilant to continue to protect the services; there are some caveats on the upgrades being dependent on extra funding being found. For that to happen, our Tipperary government ministers will have to stand up for their county and ensure that the funding is found.'