Council moves to acquire Westport Courthouse building

MAYO County Council is seeking to increase its property portfolio.

The Courts Service has revealed the authority made an approach to take over ownership of the former Westport Courthouse for alternative community use.

Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan confirmed that the proposal is under active consideration.

Westport Courthouse was temporarily closed in 2013 as the building fell short of the required standards on health and safety grounds.

In the period since, court business is being dealt with in Castlebar Courthouse.

In reply to a parliamentary question by Mayo TD Lisa Chambers, the minister added: “The Court Service has also informed me that a report commissioned from the Office of Public Works identified a number of issues with the ceilings, roof and chimneys of Westport Courthouse and that at the moment funds are not available to progress repairs.

“However, nationally, a capital programme for courthouses is underway. It involves new court buildings and renovations to courthouses. The capital budget provided to the Courts Service is around €5 million in both 2017 and 2018.

“The Courts Service has further advised that Mayo County Council recently approached them with a proposal to take over ownership of the building for alternative community use and that this proposal is under active consideration.”

Deputy Chambers welcomed the minister's report.