'Betrayal of rural communities': Outrage at closure of Tipperary courthouses

Independent TD for Tipperary, Mattie McGrath, has strongly condemned any plans to close the Courthouses in Cashel and Carrick-on-Suir, describing the proposed move as a “betrayal of rural communities” and a “clear failure by the State to invest in and maintain its own essential infrastructure.”

The closure plan, which would see court sittings moved to Clonmel from this autumn, follows a letter from District Judge Brian O’Shea who cited serious deficiencies in the courthouse buildings.

READ MORE: Tipperary born athletics star, Bill Britton, honoured with commemorative plaque

In his letter, Judge O’Shea described Cashel Courthouse as “gravely inadequate,” pointing to unhygienic public toilets, chronic damp, and cramped waiting areas as among the core issues.

Deputy McGrath acknowledged the concerns raised by Judge O’Shea but argued that the correct response is not closure, but proper investment: “If there are deficiencies in these buildings, then fix them. Don’t abandon them. The State has a responsibility to maintain and protect historic public infrastructure—not to walk away from it. We’re constantly told there is no shortage of funds, so what excuse can there possibly be for letting two landmark buildings fall into dereliction?”

He went on to highlight the wider impact on the local economy and civic life, saying: “Removing Court services from Cashel will damage local business and further hollow out the town centre. The Post Office in Hogan Square is already gone. If the Courthouse goes too, we’re looking at more dereliction and fewer reasons for people to come into the town. The same applies to Carrick-on-Suir. These closures would be another step in the steady erosion of rural Ireland.”

READ MORE: Referee confirmed for do-or-die Munster Championship clash between Tipperary and Clare

Deputy McGrath called for an immediate halt to the closure plans and a full review of the funding required to upgrade and retain both courthouses as functioning parts of the judicial system.

“It is not appropriate that a District Court Judge should decide the future of these courthouses and full efforts should be put into upgrading these courthouses where necessary rather than abandon them. This is a test of whether the State values balanced regional development, or whether rural communities are to be permanently downgraded in favour of centralisation and convenience.

"I have called on the Minister for Justice to intervene and ensure whatever upgrade works are required are carried out to protect the future of these courthouses.”