Naomi Long suggests future cultural use for Limavady Courthouse

The Justice Minister Naomi Long pointed to the example of Bangor Courthouse, which is currently used as venue by the award winning Open House music festival in North Down.

DUP MLA Alan Robinson asked the minister for an update on the Northern Ireland Courts and Tribunals Service’s recent consultation on the proposed permanent closure and disposal of Limavady courthouse.

“Following the conclusion of the consultation process and consideration of the responses, I intend to announce a decision on the way forward in the coming weeks. A summary report on the consultation responses will be published alongside that announcement,” Mrs. Long replied during oral questions at the Stormont Assembly.

Mr. Robinson asked if the minister could give him assurances that the courthouse will not be allowed to fall into a poor state of repair while the future of the facility is resolved.

“It is important to me that we do not allow heritage buildings, listed buildings and buildings of quality to fall into disrepair. I do not have the money in my budget to do anything other than basic maintenance in Limavady courthouse at the moment. However, if I were to make a decision that would lead to its closure, I would want to think about what that building could be used for.

“I suggest to the Member that it would be worth visiting the Court House in Bangor, which was taken on by Open House. It received significant lottery funding and has become a real asset at the seafront in Bangor.

"It is widely used by arts organisations and for many other purposes and has become a new community hub. It is also in absolutely pristine condition.

“There are opportunities for a part of East Londonderry that, perhaps, often feels overlooked to benefit from the building and put it to better use than being used for, perhaps, at best, half a day of court business each week. I want to discuss that with elected representatives in the area as part of the overall discussions.”