Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 January 2026
157. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the reason plans for the refurbishment of Wicklow court house were removed from the National Development Plan; the plans to use the court house in the future; the steps being taken to maintain the building; if his Department has considered disposing of the premises for community use; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6183/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, management 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 theses functions.
Insofar as capital funding is concerned, on 4 December last, I announced the Sectoral Investment Plan for Justice under the recent National Development Plan Review. The total funding allocation of €2.18 billion will support major capital projects in the Justice sector from 2026-2030, an increase of over €800 million on the previous NDP in 2021. As part of the overall allocation, a total of €369 million in funding was agreed for the Courts Service.
The new NDP will see the construction via a Public Private Partnership of the new Dublin Family Courts at Hammond Lane which will replace existing outdated venues and facilities with a more family friendly and secure building, which is a key part of the Government’s wider family law reform programme. Subject to the successful completion of the procurement process in 2026, the current timescale envisages that construction is expected to commence in early 2027. Construction will also start on a new Courthouse in Tralee, Co. Kerry.
In relation to Wicklow courthouse, I am advised by the Courts Service that it has been closed due to health and safety reasons since September 2010. Although 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 size, geographical spread and age of the Courts estate means that its renovation, maintenance and management is a multi-annual programme of work which requires to be phased and progressed based on delivery capacity, and affordability.
I fully expect that there will continue to be further investment in this programme of work over future iterations of the NDP, subject to overall budget considerations.
I am also assured that the closure of Wicklow Courthouse is not having an impact on court business in the county. 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. Court business continues to be transacted in Bray Court Office and Arklow for district court matters, on a scheduled basis.
