By Ken Foxe
AN historic 19th-century courthouse was shut after inspectors found signs of subsidence, “wet rot” in the judge’s chambers, and a ceiling that had already partially collapsed.
Records on the closure detail the exceptionally poor condition of the building, with the Office of Public Works concluding it was completely unsafe for use.
During a walk through of Donegal Courthouse, staff from the OPW and the Courts Service found extensive structural problems across multiple areas of the building.
Substantial cracks were noted in the wall of the ladies’ toilet, while the courtroom itself was found to have a significant crack in an internal wall running all the way “from floor to ceiling”.
Inspectors also recorded “wet rot” in the skirting boards of the judge’s chambers, along with extensive damage to the external entrance door and porch.
A gable-end wall housing a communications room was described as “very wet and deteriorating”, with water getting in and concerns raised about the stability of the building.
Evidence of subsidence was also identified near the gents’ toilet, as officials warned that a tender process for repairs might not begin until late 2026.
A note of the meeting said this would only cover external works, which would include bracing and work to stop any further subsidence.
It also warned that a full refurbishment of the courthouse had the potential to be “multiples of the external works figures,” estimates of which were redacted from
the records.
It said a previous solution to repair three flat roofs to stop water getting in was no longer viable on health and safety grounds.
The note said: “The OPW will not allow any contractors on the roof areas.
“Based on the discussions and walk through of the building, the OPW were asked what their assessment was of the current status of the courthouse, and they confirmed that, in their opinion, it is unsafe for use.”
Court officials asked about the possibility of opening a temporary facility in the town but were told it would only work if no significant works were required.
A note of the meeting said: “The OPW advised that they would not be in a position to oversee a large-scale project of this nature, similar to what was carried out in Roscommon.”
Another email from the Office of Public Works said they were arranging a full building survey, and the courthouse should not be used.
‘RISKS AND HAZARDS’
It said the current condition of the public entrance and entrance to the judges’ quarters posed “a number of risks and hazards.”
“The ceiling to the public entrance has fallen down in part due to water egress and may collapse further at any stage,” said the email.
Asked about the documents, a spokesman for the Courts Service said the courthouse was closed temporarily in September 2025.
He said work was ongoing with the OPW to determine the required works and costs.
The spokesman said: “The OPW has organised for a full building condition survey to be carried out including a mechanical and electrical condition survey.
“Our understanding is that works associated with the completion of this survey have already been commenced by the OPW and that they have visited the site in October and November in that regard.”
He said any works would
depend on the findings of the survey and the availability of additional funding.
“In the interim and in the interests of public safety, all further sittings scheduled to take place in Donegal will be facilitated in Ballyshannon Courthouse on a temporary basis,” he added.
