Judge steps up search for new court in Tuam

The search to find a new home for the sittings of Tuam Court has intensified amid fears that – once it moves from its current location – it may be closed permanently.

The Courts Service have been issued with a notice to quit from its current location in the chapel of the old Bon Secours Hospital in Tuam, where work is being carried out on the provision of a primary health care facility.

And the newly appointed Judge to the District Court Area in which Tuam is located has become actively involved in sourcing a new location.

Judge James Faughnan told The Connacht Tribune that he was determined to ensure that court sittings would remain in Tuam and that he had looked at a number of potential locations in the town and has been in touch with the Courts Service.

Originally the sittings of Tuam Court were held in a building on the Dublin Road but that was closed ten years ago for health and safety reasons as it had fallen into a state of disrepair.

The sittings were then moved to upstairs in the Town Hall but this venue in the centre of Tuam was deemed unsuitable and around five years ago the twice monthly court was moved to the chapel in the old Bon Secours Hospital which was leased from the HSE West.

The HSE recently issued the Courts Service with a notice to quit the building before the end of the year and Judge Faughnan along with members of the local bar association have been checking out a number of potential venues but, as yet, nothing has been decided.

Visiting judges, Gardaí and solicitors are intrigued by the current venue for the court sittings in the old chapel with its high ceiling and original stained glass windows. It is also the location of the old mortuary that formed part of the Bon Secours Hospital.

Cllr Shaun Cunniffe has called for the refurbishment of the old courthouse on the Dublin Road rather than spending money on leasing a premises. “What the Courts Service have spent on leasing over the past ten years would probably have covered the cost of the refurbishment,” he said.

The independent councillor said that it would not be acceptable if the Tuam Court sittings were moved into Galway – as is the fear that has been expressed by the local members of the legal profession.

“If a premises is not found, then the court sittings will be moved out of the town. And once they are gone, there is every chance they could remain gone and that is something that we cannot allow happen,” Cllr Cunniffe added.

Judge James Faughnan said that he was determined to ensure that no courts would close in his District Court Area and he added that he was willing to give every assistance in finding a new venue in Tuam.