ENNISKILLEN Courthouse is to be downgraded to a hearing centre from the start of next month, it has been confirmed.

This will mean that, from August 1, the historic building will only be open on the days that the court is sitting. Staff currently working in the Enniskillen court office will be based in Omagh from next month.

The move comes after a lengthy public consultation process on plans to “rationalise” the court estate in Northern Ireland.

In early 2015, then Justice Minister David Ford announced proposals to close Enniskillen courthouse completely and move all the business to Omagh in a bid to save around £92,000 a year.

However, after a vigorous campaign to retain services locally, in February this year Mr Ford confirmed that the landmark building, located at East Bridge Street, would remain open, but only on days when court sittings were taking place.

Following this decision, it was announced on last Thursday that present Justice Minister, Clare Sugden, had decided to implement the transition to a hearing centre from August 1 this year.

A spokesperson for Northern Ireland Courts and Tribunals Service said that Enniskillen court business would be managed thereafter from Omagh court office, where staff from Enniskillen court office would also be based.

“On court sitting days, usual court office opening hours will apply,” the spokesperson added.

At present, the magistrates’ criminal court sits in Enniskillen every Monday, as well as the first Tuesday of every month and the first, second and third Wednesdays of the month.

Magistrates’ youth courts sit on the second Tuesday and fourth Wednesday of every month.

Meanwhile, magistrates’ domestic proceedings courts are held locally on the third Tuesday of every month.

More information on court schedules, opening hours and other court and tribunal services is available online at: http://www.courtsni.gov.uk