‘Deplorable’ conditions at Limerick county court

A DETAILED submission on the “deplorable” conditions at Newcastle West Court was launched at a special meeting, in conjunction with a proposal for a brand new state-of-the-art courthouse.

Solicitor Enda O’Connor, addressed the lack of investment in Newcastle West courthouse at the meeting in Limetree House, Station Road, on Thursday, May 30.

“There's no denying that it is a fabulous building, full of heritage, but unfortunately it's no longer fit for purpose in 2024. For example, there's no CCTV playing services, no wi-fi, no appropriate parking.

"There are people making applications for barring orders and safety orders and they're mixed in with the general public. They're visible from the road as they have to wait outside and we feel that that is inappropriate,” said Mr O’Connor.

He said the user experience for solicitors, gardai, prison officers, public and other stakeholders is “deplorable”.

In the submission, which will be sent to the Courts Service in Dublin, Mr O’Connor said they have made basic, short-term proposals that could address issues “quite easily and we think are very much financially viable”.

“But in the medium to long term, we don’t think the court facility in Newcastle West is fit for purpose,” said Mr O’Connor.

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Prominent local businessman David Geary is proposing to enter into a public private partnership with the State to build a new courthouse on his land adjacent to a multi-million euro development, encompassing a primary care centre, on the Gortboy Road.

Mr Geary made the point that the court was built during the famine and we should be able to build a new courthouse when the country is booming.

The meeting heard the current courthouse could be turned into a theatre. Also in attendance was president of the Limerick Solicitors Bar Association, Julianne Kiely, fellow solicitors Tommy Culhane, Rob Cussen, John Lynch, Rossa McMahon, Michael O'Donnell, and Adapt, Irish Prison Service and Newcastle West Development Association representatives.