Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 1 July 2026
25. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration to provide an update on plans for the future use of the Wicklow Court House building; if his Department has considered disposing of the premises for community use; the maintenance currently ongoing at the building; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49886/26]
View answerManagement of the courts and operational matters, including matters pertaining to the maintenance and use of court buildings, are the responsibility of the Courts Service, which is independent in the exercise of its functions under the Courts Service Act 1998.
The size, geographical spread and age of the Courts estate means that its renovation, maintenance and management is a multi-annual programme which requires work to be phased and progressed based on delivery capacity, and affordability.
I am advised by the Courts Service that Wicklow courthouse has been closed due to health and safety reasons since September 2010. Work was completed on the roof of the Courthouse in 2025, the purpose of which was to address the dry rot which has spread through adjoining buildings.
While funding has not been included in this phase of the National Development Plan for the renovation of Wicklow Courthouse, funding has been allocated for preparatory and planning work necessary to inform the business cases needed for projects involving the renovation and development of courthouses in Wicklow.
The Courts Service has further advised that, while open to making the Courthouse available for community usage, it is not currently possible to do so due to health and safety reasons. The Courts Service has not received any applications in relation to the disposal of Wicklow Courthouse for community, or any other use. However, the Courts Service has liaised with Wicklow County Council and made the adjoining former library building available to the council.
Court business continues to be transacted in Bray Court Office and Arklow for district court matters on a scheduled basis. The main court venue in the County of Wicklow is currently located at the Civic Centre in Bray. The court office for the county is also located in the same premises. This is a modern premises which was purposely fitted out in 2006. A variety of other Government services are also located in the same complex.
