Campaigners have claimed victory in a legal fight over the threatened shutdown of six courthouses in Northern Ireland.
Proceedings were issued after former Justice Minister David Ford announced the planned closures last year.
High Court challenges were continued despite his successor Claire Sugden reversing the decision to shut those in Armagh, Ballymena, Lisburn, Limavady, Magherafelt and Strabane.
Lawyers wanted Mr Ford’s move declared unlawful due to a flawed consultation process and equality impact assessment.
Although they did not secure a formal ruling, assurances were given by the department that any future decision on the courthouses continued viability will be based on a new process.
Law firm John Fahy & Company was behind the lead case against the closure at Strabane. Canice MacManus of the firm said: “This is a complete victory for common sense against what was just a cost-cutting exercise.”
Article originally published by Belfast Telegraph
