Coroner vows to keep inquest hearings in Swinford

THE coroner for east Mayo will resist any attempt by the authorities to move inquest hearings out of Swinford. Coroner Pat O’Connor made his pledge at inquests held in the new cultural centre at Station Road in the town. It was the first time hearings were held in the centre following the closure earlier this year of Swinford Courthouse.

Mr. O’Connor said the Courts Service, in its review of courthouses, had regretfully decided to close the local courthouse. However, he was ‘determined’, in conjunction with the gardaí, who have been supportive, and Mayo County Council, to ensure inquests continue to be held in the district over which he has jurisdiction so that travelling for those attending is kept to a minimum.

“That is why we are here today,” he said of the new venue, which is housed in the former railway store, which has been transformed into a state-of-the-art centre. “Inquests, as long as I am coroner, will be held in Swinford, hopefully in this venue. The efforts of others, and particularly the Courts Service, to close down centres where inquests can be held will not be taken lightly by me, with the support of Mayo County Council and the gardaí.”

Three hearings took place at the first sitting of the coroner’s court.