Local elected representatives were shocked to learn that they were excluded from a recent meeting between Minister Kevin Boxer Moran and council officials to discuss a potential site for the new courthouse in Portlaoise.
It was confirmed at the Laois County Council meeting on Monday that the site is on the ring road, on the outskirts of Portlaoise.
Laois County Council SEO John Mulholland said that during the meeting, the issue of a site they had identified for a new courthouse was discussed.
They believe this site meets the criteria as a suitable location, including access of emergency services.
“It is now up to the OPW and the Courts Service to proceed on that,” he said.
Cllr Willie Aird said the first item on the agenda for that meeting should have been the new courthouse.
Mr Mulholland said during the meeting they had impressed on Minister Moran the importance of progressing the project.
Cllr Aird said his only issue with the meeting, was that it has previously been proposed that a deputation from the council would meet with the minister to discuss the relocation of the courthouse.
“I am very disappointed we have not identified a site at this stage,” he said.
“I am absolutely outraged,” Cllr Caroline Dwane Stanley said, that the matter was discussed without public representatives being invited.
She said she had a motion on courthouse two months ago, and many other councillors had raised it in the past.
She said at the time of her motion, she was told that two potential sites had been identified.
“The fact that no person from the Portlaoise Municipal District was present is “absolutely disgraceful,” she said.
Mr Mulholland said they had received very short notice about the Ministerial visit, which also included Minister for Justice Charlie Flanagan. “When a minister comes, you tend to turn out for it,” he said.
He said they would try to exert influence and as much pressure as possible to get the project done.
However, he added it is the “prerogative” of the Courts Service and Department of Justice after that.
Cathaoirleach Cllr Padraig Fleming, who was also present at the meeting along with council directors of service, said “I don’t think there was an attempt by anybody to ignore the meeting with councillors,” he said.
He confirmed that a site on the ring road had been identified as a suitable site.
Cllr Aird said that Cllr Tom Mulhall had been present for the visit. Cllr Mulhall later clarified that he was present at Emo and the Rock of Dunamaise, as Minister Flanagan had invited him as the local public representative, but he did not attend the meeting in County Hall.
Cllr Mary Sweeney felt it was not fair to have such a meeting without any representative from the Portlaoise area.
SEE ALSO – OPW land could be used for new Courthouse
