Enniskillen Courthouse could be axed as part of public spending cuts.

The closure of the historic building on the town’s main street would leave solicitors, their clients and members of the public having to travel to Omagh or Dungannon.

A spokesman confirmed: “In response to significant budgetary pressures, the Northern Ireland Courts and Tribunals Service is reviewing the court estate to identify potential options for rationalisation.” He gave no further details, other than saying that a public consultation exercise on the “Rationalisation of the Court Estate” is expected to be launched today (Thursday).

However, it is understood that Enniskillen is one of eight court buildings in Northern Ireland being considered for closure.

It is believed the consultation process will continue until April with any closures taking place in April 2016.

The Court Service currently employs four staff in Enniskillen, dealing with a wide range of legal proceedings.

There are also 10 security staff, employed by G4S.

The building hosts a Youth Court, Magistrate’s Court and Crown Court, handling every type of criminal offence from driving without “L” plates to murder.

It is also the venue for industrial tribunals and inquests as well as a wide range of civil proceedings.

Speaking yesterday, Lisnaskea solicitor Myles McManus said the Fermanagh Bar Association had not been told about the possible closure of Enniskillen Courthouse.

“We haven’t been notified by the Law Society about the consultation document as yet,” he stated.

However, he said the Association, which represents the legal profession in Fermanagh, would be fighting any closure.

“We want it to be a fully functional full-time court,” he stated.

“Our court division is Fermanagh and Tyrone and there are only four courts sitting in that massive area. Years ago we had courts sitting in Newtownbutler, Lisnaskea and Kesh,” he pointed out.

“It has been indicated to me that there are eight venues up for consideration for closure and Enniskillen is one of them. I’m not sure which other venues are up for closure but I know Enniskillen is one,” he stated.

It is understood that Strabane is also on the list for possible closure, leaving just Omagh and Dungannon Courthouses to deal with cases from Fermanagh and Tyrone.

The majority of Fermanagh’s Crown Court trials are already heard in Dungannon, which is a new, modern building. Only a few trials take place in Enniskillen.

Mr. McManus said there has been a suggestion that Omagh courthouse could also be closed and that all legal proceedings in Fermanagh and Tyrone would be dealt with at a ‘super court’ in Dungannon.

“But that would create massive difficulties for the people of Fermanagh,” said Mr. McManus.

He pointed out that Enniskillen Courthouse is not just the venue for the hearing of criminal cases but also hosts a wide range of civil proceedings.

Various courts and tribunals sit within its walls dealing with disputes over rights of way, breaches of contract, divorces, child maintenance and claims for damages arising out accidents.

“It would be a desperate change to lose a court facility in such a large geographical area such as Fermanagh,” said Mr. McManus.

He pointed out that people living in Derrylin or Belcoo would have to travel “massive” distances to either Omagh or Dungannon.

“People don’t always have access to private vehicles and public transport is so poor,” he added.

“I know Strabane had been ear-marked for closure or downgrading to a hearing centre but Strabane solicitors were very successful in opposing that,” explained Mr. McManus.

“Magherafelt Court has been closed and is a hearing centre and only opens when needed,” he added.

He pointed out that there are courts sitting in Enniskillen on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday of almost every week and that the building is also used for other hearings.

“I would use the court facility myself to arrange consultations and speak to prisoners through video links,” he added.

He said solicitors already have to travel to courts as far away as Derry, Belfast and Newry and it would be their clients who would suffer most from the closure of Enniskillen.

“At times of austerity, when people have to rely on public transport, it can be a massive burden trying to get to court in Omagh or Dungannon,” stated Mr. McManus.

Local Ulster Unionist MLA Tom Elliott said: “There used to be a number of courthouses in County Fermanagh and now the plan is to close the Enniskillen Courthouse, the only one left in the county. I will be questioning the Justice Minister on his decision, and will be working hard to try and ensure as many public service jobs are kept, as a direct result of this planned closure.”