Notices

02/12/2011

Monaghan Courthouse wins Public Building Project of the Year Award
at the CMG Building and Design Awards 2011

Pictured: Shane O'Toole, Irish Times Architecture Critic, John Mahon, the Courts Service and Ivan Yates.

Monaghan Courthouse

The historic courthouse re-opened after an €8.5 million restoration project which has brought the building back to its original architectural glory.

The courthouse moved to its current location in 1830 when the building, designed by Joseph Welland, was completed at a cost of around £10,000. One of the defining features of the design is the façade of Doric columns and the use of large sandstone blocks taken from the local quarry at Eshnaglogh. They make the building both very strong and striking.

The building, reflecting 19th century architectural traditions, has now been provided with 21st century infrastructure. The works provide new and improved accommodation for all court users. These include victim support room, improved jury facilities, staff offices, consultation rooms for legal practitioners to meet their clients privately and a holding cell area for prisoners.

The courthouse now includes three modern oak panelled courtrooms. Two are large jury courtrooms and the third serves as a family law court.

New circulation routes meet the highest possible standards in segregating the way in which judges, jury members, public and prisoners enter the courthouse.

The design of the courtrooms, along with the installation of a new lift, ensures universal access.