Ulster Unionist MP for Fermanagh & South Tyrone, Tom Elliott, has expressed his relief that the Justice Minister David Ford MLA has listened to the strong case presented to him, to have Enniskillen Court House retained and for this vital service to remain in Enniskillen.
Mr Elliott said:
“I met with representatives of the legal profession in March 2015 and they made their opposition known to the threatened closure of the courthouse through the consultation process. It was clear that the general public also opposed closure.
“When I met with the Justice Minister I relayed these concerns and told him how there was a feeling that Fermanagh was being stripped of many vital services and that if the court house were to close, many other things associated with the courthouse would also go. These included the closure of the custody suite, less police on the ground, the Probation Board moving and serious difficulties for Women’s Aid, never mind the additional costs to the legal profession and offenders having to travel to Omagh.
“The original proposal to close Enniskillen was totally unrealistic and I am glad that common sense has prevailed. I trust that the future of Enniskillen courthouse can now be secured for many years to come.”