‘No plans’ to open Strabane Courthouse more than two days a week

THE Justice Minister has said there are ‘no plans’ to increase the opening hours of Strabane Courthouse.

The courthouse is currently open two days a week when the court is in session.

In a question at the Northern Ireland Assembly, West Tyrone MLA Daniel McCrossan asked the Justice Minister, Naomi Long, if there were any plans to open the courthouse on additional days to help reduce waiting times for court cases.

In response, Ms Long said Strabane Courthouse was designated as a ‘hearing centre’ in 2009 which means that the building will only open on days when the courts sit.

“There are currently no plans to change the designated status of Strabane Courthouse or increase the opening times, based on current business demands and utilisation,” added the Justice Minister.

“The allocation of court business and listing of cases is a judicial matter.”