Eric Byrne (Dublin South Central, Labour)
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Question 189: To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the Office of Public Works plan for the Kilmainham courthouse building, Dublin; and if it is envisaged that this building will be used as a public space. [25920/11]

Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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The Kilmainham Courthouse building is currently in the ownership of the Courts Service. Nevertheless, some essential remedial and stabilisation works have been carried out by the Office of Public Works on behalf of the Courts Service in recent years. The Courts Service has requested the OPW to consider taking ownership of the building as it is surplus to its requirements.

The proximity of the old Courthouse to Kilmainham Gaol, which is in the care of the OPW, suggests certain development possibilities, which could well involve use as a public space. These are at a very early assessment stage by OPW and no decision has been made in this regard as yet. A critical factor in the decision-making process will be the availability of funding.