Decision on the future of Limavady Courthouse
Date published:
Justice Minister Naomi Long has made a decision on the future of Limavady Courthouse, following a recent public consultation.
The consultation sought the public’s views on a proposal to permanently close and dispose of Limavady Courthouse, resulting in the permanent reallocation of Limavady Adult Magistrates Court business to an alternative courthouse within the NICTS estate.
Justice Minister Naomi Long said: “60% of those who responded to the consultation agreed that the proposal to permanently close Limavady Courthouse was reasonable and justified, taking into account the considerations set out in the consultation paper and impact assessments. After careful consideration of all of the responses received, I have decided to permanently close and dispose of Limavady Courthouse.”
“Within an increasingly constrained funding envelope for my Department, implementation of this proposal will enable NICTS to focus and prioritise investment to provide improved user experience, value for money, resilience and sustainability across the NICTS estate, whilst ensuring that the people of Limavady continue to have access to justice within higher quality, safer, more modern and more accessible courthouse facilities.
The Minister added: “I would like to thank those who took the time to respond to the consultation. Those responses have been helpful in informing the way forward. Disposal of the building will provide opportunity for a new owner to invest in a landmark building, and bring it back into active use.”
Further detail on the consultation responses is available in the consultation responses report.
Notes to editors:
- The Northern Ireland Courts and Tribunals Service is an Agency of the Department of Justice, responsible for supporting all Northern Ireland’s courts and the majority of Northern Ireland’s tribunals.
- The NICTS Estate currently comprises 23 buildings, including three for administrative/headquarter functions, located in every county and local government area. The value of the estate listed in the annual accounts is approximately £231.7m.
- This proposal is part of the ongoing implementation of the NICTS Estates Strategy, which aims to focus and prioritise investment to provide improved user experience, value for money, resilience and sustainability across the NICTS estate.
- Media enquiries to the Department of Justice Press Office email or phone: 028 9052 6444.
- To keep up to date with news from the Department follow us on : LinkedIn, Bluesky, Instagram, Youtube, Justice NI (@Justice_NI) / X, www.justice-ni.gov.uk.
- The Executive Information Service operates an out of hours service for media enquiries only between 1800 hrs and 0800 hrs Monday to Friday and at weekends and public holidays. The duty press officer can be contacted on 028 9037 8110.