Works required at Wicklow Courthouse to ensure future survival of historic building – Deputy Matthews

The Green Party TD has held constructive talks with the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform and the Office of Public Works (OPW), with a particular focus placed on the building’s leaking roof.

Wicklow Courthouse has been sitting vacant since 2010 when the district court moved to Bray due to health and safety concerns at the courthouse. Circuit court sittings had already relocated from Wicklow town to Bray in 2008.

Deputy Matthews said: “In recent months I have had the opportunity to meet the Wicklow Town Team on a number of occasions to speak about the most pressing issues facing the area. One issue which was raised with me was the condition of the Wicklow Town Courthouse which is prominently located in the town square in recent years.

"I understand their concerns completely and agree that the preservation of this beautiful and historic building should be prioritised. I was extremely disappointed to hear recent negative comments made by one of my Dáil constituency colleagues regarding the courthouse and I believe that we must do all we can to protect its heritage and structure.

“I am aware that the OPW had previously carried out maintenance works on the Courthouse last April. These works included painting of the rails, windows and doors on the front elevation, cleaning the façade of the building and removal of weeds around the building. I am continuing to engage with Wicklow County Council and the OPW to secure the provision of subtle up-lighting for the front of the courthouse so as to not detract from the overall rejuvenation of the town square.

“As part of the review into the condition of the building which I called for, it has been discovered that significant works will be required to fix the roof in a number of areas to stop the leaking of water which has occurred. I have been assured that the process of these repairs is being prioritised. I will continue to engage with the OPW and the Court Service to ensure that these necessary works are carried out as soon as possible to ensure the future survival of this historic building.”