Address by Mr. Brendan Smith Minister for Justice and Law Reform at the official opening of Monaghan Courthouse 21 February 2011
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Chief Justice, members of the judiciary, fellow Oireachtas members, Cathaoirleach of Monaghan Town Council, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen.
I am delighted to be here today to officiate at this ceremony to formally open this newly refurbished courthouse - Monaghan can take immense pride in the completion of this historic courthouse, which serves as a focal point on Church Square.
The original courthouse in Monaghan was actually on the Diamond, which is just down the street. It moved to this location in 1830 when this building, designed by Joseph Welland, was completed at a cost of around £10,000. One of the defining features of the design is the façade of Doric columns and the use of large sandstone blocks taken from the local quarry at Eshnaglogh. They make the building both very strong and striking, which is appropriate, given the function of a courthouse.
It is worth noting that there used to be a gaol on the site. The old gaol had been nicknamed ‘Johnny Short’s Hotel’ by the novelist William Carleton in his novel ‘The Fair of Emyvale’. Short was the prison governor and he had a rather unique arrangement with his charges. He would let the thieves and pickpockets out on fair days when the gentry and rich farmers were all in town - on condition that they share the spoils with him on their return. It was an arrangement that apparently worked to all their mutual benefit. Fortunately, our criminal justice system has developed a long way since then.
As with any building, time takes its toll. That was especially true of this building. Added to that, a number of what can only be described as ‘insensitive’ alterations were added over the years, such as the addition of service blocks to the sides of the building. So it was time to take a look at giving the building a complete makeover with a view to preserving its historical and architectural integrity whilst at the same time ensuring that a new and improved courthouse, designed to meet our modern requirements resulted. I’m sure you’ll agree the results are truly magnificent.
The Courts Service, which has been operating for over a decade, must be congratulated for the ambitious programme of new courthouse development and refurbishment projects which it has rolled out throughout the country over that period. That programme, under the leadership of its former CEO, PJ Fitzpatrick, who of course is from Cootehill, has physically transformed the courts infrastructure throughout the country. These new and refurbished courthouses are a lasting testament to the commitment of the Courts Service Board and the Courts Service staff to the delivery of improved standards and services to all its stakeholders.
Change is not just about the environment in which court business is conducted. It is also about how the courts do business. In this regard, the courts, through the Chief Justice, as Chairperson of the Courts Service Board, and Brendan Ryan, the current CEO of the Courts Service, have transformed the way the courts do their business. One example of this is the use of Information Technology to allow payments online giving greater flexibility to court users and achieving greater efficiencies in staff time. By centralising the processing of payments and providing other electronic services including Small Claims Online, and the exchange of District Court data with An Garda Síochána, the Courts Service can maintain high quality front line services in all the courts.
This type of reform and innovation, particularly in the current economic climate, is an example of what is happening across the entire public service. My belief is this reflects the approach of the judiciary and the Courts Service as an organisation which is fully connected with the reality faced by the world in which it operates and the communities it serves. Since its establishment the Courts Service has advocated new methods and approaches and is continually striving to provide a first class service to judges, practitioners, court staff and the public. Today is one more demonstration of that commitment.
The building itself, which represents an investment of €8.5 million, is a credit to the collaborative efforts of all those involved in its planning and construction. The Office of Public Works architects have done a fantastic job along with the main contractor, John Sisk & Son. They have managed to preserve the integrity of the building whilst sympathetically marrying the modernity of the newer elements. The provision of a new lift makes the building accessible to all. With all the new facilities provided for all court users, I think it fair to say that this building, whilst reflecting 19th century courthouse traditions and Joseph Welland’s design, is very much 21st century in its operation.
Finally, I too would like to mention the staff here in Monaghan who had to carry on their work for many years in very poor conditions in the old courthouse and were dispersed to other offices in the town for the past few years during the refurbishment. You have certainly done your penance and fully deserve these lovely new offices. I wish all who work here well for the future. I am confident that the new courthouse will meet the needs of Monaghan and the surrounding area for many decades to come.
Thank you.