Mayo courthouse works 'cannot continue to be postponed'
Solicitors have called for improvement works to be carried out at Ballina Courthouse.
A Ballina solicitor has urged the new district court judge for Mayo to push for improvements to “inadequate” facilities at the local courthouse.
Adrian Bourke made his comments at Judge Sandra Murphy’s first sitting at Ballina District Court last Friday.
Mr Bourke said he hopes that Judge Murphy and all local court users can work together to seek improvements to the existing facilities at Ballina Courthouse.
“I would like to make a request of you on behalf of my colleagues and all court users here, and if I may say on behalf of yourself, that we all work together with the Courts Service to improve, in a modest and appropriate manner, and without massive expenditure, the inadequate facilities at Ballina Courthouse."
Mr Bourke said the "inadequate" facilities were impacting court users, particularly those involved in family law cases.
“Sadly, there is no roof for them here. They go out to a communal shed in the car park. There are toilet facilities but they are not adequate. There are consultation room facilities and those are not adequate,” he said.
“The very simplest of reforms could be implemented at low cost and I appeal to you and all involved in this court and the court users groups to implement your wisdom and influence to get the job done. It simply has to happen and cannot continue to be a postponed matter.”
Judge Murphy said she would do everything she could to improve this situation.
“It is an extremely important issue, especially in the context of family law cases and I will do everything in my power to improve things,” she said.
Mr Bourke had made his comments while welcoming Judge Murphy to her first court sitting.
“On behalf of your colleagues, the solicitors of Ballina, who are so proud of their Mayo judge, may your lawyers and litigants and all who participate in your court in a professional manner be helpful and courteous with you in the cause of justice,” he said. “May you reign for many years as our learned judge of county Mayo.”
Judge Murphy was also welcomed by Garda Inspector Naomi De Ris on behalf of An Garda Síochána.
“We want to welcome you to Ballina and to north Mayo and to ensure you of the assistance of An Garda Síochána and the court presenters office,” she said. “You are from Mayo and your knowledge of local people and places will greatly assist you in this role.”
Ballina District Court manager Ailish McGuinness extended a welcome on behalf of the courts staff.
“We want to congratulate you on this significant milestone in your career. It is a huge achievement coming back to be the judge in your home county,” she said. “This assignment holds a place in your heart. Your father Patsy served with distinction as County Registrar and will be looking down and guiding you in the days and weeks ahead.”
Judge Murphy thanked the speakers for their warm welcome and paid tribute to her predecessors.
“These words are heartfelt to me and strike a strong chord,” she said. “I am very privileged to sit among my own people and will do everything to ensure that justice is done. I am building on the standards and professionalism of Judge [Mary] Devins and Judge [Fiona] Lydon and building on the wonderful legacy they left here.”
