MAJOR cuts to the Department of Justice's budget will hit front-line services, Justice Minister David has warned.
Already there are proposals to close Enniskillen Courthouse and move all business to Omagh, a move necessary to save £91,000 a year, said Minister Ford during a short visit to Enniskillen.
The proposal is out for public consultation at the moment and very soon the Department of Justice will seek the views of local people when it holds a public meeting at the courthouse.
“The reality is is that very significant cuts have been imposed on the Department of Justice and we have to live with that and that is hitting all kinds of front-line services. We simply can't afford it with the budgets we have been given,” Minister Ford told The Impartial Reporter.
Asked about the proposal to close the courthouse in Enniskillen, he said: “The issue is it is better for people to travel and have a decent facility when they get there than have something on their doorstep... our business is providing court services, not court buildings.” More in next week's Impartial Reporter.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article