By Gareth McKeown
AS PART of public spending cuts Enniskillen Courthouse along with seven other courthouses in the North could face the chop.
It is thought that up to 20 people’s jobs could be affected.
Justice Minister David Ford has proposed the closures as a way to save money in his department’s budget, cut by £75m.
If agreed it would mean local solicitors, their clients and members of the public being forced to travel to Dungannon or Omagh.
With the NI Courts and Tribunals Service facing a cut of almost 11% , or £2.3 million, Mr Ford is proposing to close the eight courthouses in a move he claims would save almost £1.5m a year, £300,000 of which would be saved by the Prison Service on reduced transport costs for taking prisoners to court.
Fermanagh and South Tyrone MLA Tom Elliott has expressed his concern at the prospect of the Courthouse in Enniskillen closing.
“There seems to be a general trend in of the loss of public service jobs in Fermanagh. I would question the Justice Minister’s thinking behind this, as this further planned loss of jobs will severely affect the local economy and the obvious fact of more Civil Servants in Fermanagh are going to be without jobs.”
He continued:
“There used to be a number of courthouses in County Fermanagh, and now the plan is to close the Enniskillen Courthouse, the only one left in the county. I will be questioning the Justice Minister on his decision, and will be working hard to try and ensure as many public service jobs as kept, as a direct result of this planned closure.”
Local Sinn Fein MLA Sean Lynch said he was “simply stunned” by Mr Ford’s proposal.
“With the closure of the courthouse in Enniskillen many people will be forced to travel many miles in order to deal with issues addressed through the courts.
“Courts deal with many issues apart from the criminal justice system so this closure will have a huge impact upon those who have to attend a court.
“The Minister has always claimed that the core aim of his Department is a faster, fairer justice system, which is reflected in the Bill coming to the Assembly later this year yet the closure of Enniskillen Courthouse will only result in backlogs in the justice system; loss in confidence in the justice system; and a decrease in access to justice.”
He added: “It may save the department £92,439 per year but the safety of our community is priceless and it depends on an effective justice system. Not to mention the loss of jobs that will come as a result of this closure, as we see yet another vital service leave Fermanagh.
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