A strong case now needs to be made to the Court Services to retain district court sittings in court houses in Westport, Achill, Ballyhaunis and Swinford. That’s the view of Mayo Fine Fine deputy John O’Mahony.

The deputy has received a letter from the Court services telling him that a review and evaluation is underway into each of these four district court locations with a view to potential closure.

Brendan Ryan CEO of the Court Services states clearly in his letter , however, that none of the four venues will be closed without a consultation process , which will involve all court users, including the local judiciary, gardai, the legal profession, the prison service and the local court staff.