Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 July 2022
1567. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Justice if she will provide an update on plans to refurbish Wicklow District Courthouse; when it is anticipated that works will commence; the proposed timeframe for same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40657/22]
View answer1568. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Justice the stage that matters are currently at regarding the transfer of the old vacant Courthouse on Boghall Road, Bray; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40658/22]
View answer1569. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Justice if there are any plans to refurbish Bray District Courthouse and-or build a new courthouse; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40659/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1567 to 1569, inclusive, together.
As the Deputy will be aware, under the provisions of the Courts Service Act 1998, management of the courts, is the responsibility of the Courts Service which is independent in the performance of its functions.
However, in order to be of assistance to the Deputy, I have had enquiries made and the Courts Service has provided me with the following update.
The Government's revised National Development Plan 2021 -2030 includes a number of Courts Service projects to be completed during the period of the plan, including in Wicklow Town. The priority project for the period up to 2025 is the proposed new Family Law complex on Hammond Lane.
Specifically in relation to Wicklow Town, I am informed that the existing courthouse is in very poor condition and has been closed on health and safety grounds since 2010. All court business is currently being dealt with at Bray. A courthouse comprising four courtrooms and related facilities is envisaged as being required to meet current and future demand in Wicklow. This will require a building significantly larger than the existing two courtroom building.
The Courts Service proposes to refurbish and extend the courthouse to provide the required accommodation. The Courts Service has acquired a number of adjoining properties that were in council ownership so as to have available a larger site capable of accommodating a courthouse building on the scale envisaged.
I am informed that the OPW has recently undertaken some works to preserve the aesthetic appearance of the exterior of the existing Courthouse in Wicklow Town. The front façade of the building was power washed and treated, all doors and windows were painted and the external railings were painted.
I am further informed that the Building Committee of the Courts Service approved the transfer of the former courthouse at Boghall Road, Bray to Wicklow County Council at its meeting of 16 November 2021. It is the policy of the Courts Service to offer properties to local authorities or other public bodies for alternative community or public use for no consideration. The conveyancing process in respect of Boghall Road is now underway.
Bray Courthouse is at present located in leased premises in the town centre having moved there from the premises on Boghall Road in 2006. The development of a new permanent courthouse in Bray is identified as a Courts Service project in the National Development Plan.
