Date: 30 March 2022
Green Party TD – Steven Matthews has welcomed the confirmation from the Minister for Justice that a formal request has been made to the Office of Public Works (OPW) to carry our remedial work, minor repairs, and clean-up of the façade of Wicklow Town Courthouse. The positive update was provided to Deputy Matthews by Minister Helen McEntee during a question session in the Dáil. Discussing the news, Deputy Matthews said:
“Following a number of recent visits to Wicklow Town and meeting with the Wicklow Town Team, I have been in frequent contact with the Minister for Justice regarding the Courthouse and the need at the very least to upgrade the outside of the building with some remedial work, repairs and lighting. Given the huge level of Government investment in the last couple of years in Wicklow Town, it's a real shame that a building with such historical significance has been let decay in this way and detract from the Town Square.
“I welcome the Minister's reply that indicated that the Court Service who have control over the courthouse have met with Wicklow County Council and they have made a formal submission to the Office of Public Works. The submission includes requests to carry out works including painting, weeding and general repairs to the façade of the building and have also looked for the cost of maintaining the upkeep to avoid it falling back into a state of disrepair.
“As many residents in Wicklow Town will be aware, the historic courthouse has been closed for a number of years for health and safety reasons, due to the poor state of repair of the annex and interior. There are proposals with regards to fully refurbishing the Courthouse building but this relies on funding from the National Development Plan (2021-2030) that is not yet in place. While I will continue to push for the full upgrade of the building in budget negotiations, it can't be guaranteed in the short- medium term. I welcome this progress so at the very least, the outside of this historic building is maintained and fits in with the overall improvements in the Town Centre.
“Since my engagement with the Minister for Justice, I have written to the OPW and the Government Minister responsible to request that the submission made in relation to the Courthouse is acted upon as soon as possible. I look forward to working with Wicklow County Council and the OPW on this project and hope that it can be completed as soon as possible. I will also be seeking regular cleaning and maintenance once the initial work has been completed, concluded Deputy Matthews.
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