£300k spent on ‘under review’ courthouses
OVER £300k was spent over the past five years refurbishing Limavady and Strabane courthouses which could now face closure as part of province-wide review, the Justice Minister has revealed.
Just over £100k was spent refurbishing Strabane courthouse in 10 months of 2011/12.
The total refurbishment bill for Limavady and Strabane since 2007/8 was £313,474.33.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdMr Ford said the money was spent prior to the launch in December of a Northern Ireland Courts and Tribunal Service (NICTS) consultation on the potential closure of Limavady, Strabane, Magherafelt, Larne and Bangor courthouses.
“This work was initiated prior to the Hearing Centre consultation and was necessary to protect the health and safety of all users of court accommodation, including members of the public, NICTS staff, judiciary, legal profession, PSNI and Northern Ireland Prison Service (NIPS),” Said Mr Ford.