Virginia Courthouse awaits verdict on future

Building largely unused since before the pandemic.

Virginia Courthouse could receive a new lease of life following the long awaited appointment of additional judges.

The historic building is a prominent feature on Virginia's Main Street, however it has remained largely unused since before the pandemic.

With restrictions in place the courthouse was deemed unsuitable, so the Courts Service moved Virginia sittings to Cavan Town.

However, hearings have not not since returned.

Asked about the future use of the courthouse, a Court Service spokesperson outlined: “No decision has been taken as to the long-term future of Virginia Courthouse yet.

“However, it has been used on one occasion since the start of the year for a special sitting of the district court.”

The spokesperson remains cautiously optimistic that once additional judges are appointed, use of Virginia Courthouse may resume.

“With the recently announced increase in judges, and their being appointed this year and next year, there will be an increase in the number of sittings, and a need for court venues to accommodate same. Future use of all court venues will be planned with this need for extra capacity in mind."

In February of this year, the government announced 24 additional judges would be appointed in 2013 to ease backlogs in the court system, and to support the Government's objectives of establishing dedicated Family Courts and a Planning and Environment Court.