The Irish Times

A leading western solicitor has called for a State commitment to conserving and refurbishing the 19th-century courthouse in Clifden, Co Galway. Mr J.J. Mannion, a former Fine Gael councillor and prominent member of the Co Galway Solicitors' Bar Association, said the present €300,000 refurbishment of the building by the Courts Service was welcome but insufficient. "This building requires €2 million if its full heritage value and architectural merit is to be realised," Mr Mannion said. "It is one of the finest examples of its type in the west of Ireland, and it must be recognised that Clifden is not just a county town but the capital of Connemara.