Jennifer Whitmore (Wicklow, Social Democrats)
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86. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection for an update on the recent closure of the Wicklow Citizens Information Office in Wicklow town; if funding will be secured for a new premises; the expected timeline for the project; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16751/22]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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The Citizens Information Board (CIB), under the aegis of the Department of Social Protection, is the statutory body with responsibility for the Citizens Information Service (CIS). CIB provides funding to 22 companies in order to deliver services on its behalf. This includes eight CIS companies that operate a national network of Citizens Information Centres, including South Leinster CIS which encompasses Co. Wicklow.

In March 2020, the Board of South Leinster CIS made the decision to close the Wicklow CIC office as part of their COVID 19 response. Wicklow Town CIC to date has remained closed, as the South Leinster CIS Regional Manager on behalf of the Board informed CIB that they due to health and safety concerns, this office could not be reopened.

The decision to close any office within the CIS network is a matter for the relevant CIS Board as they are responsible for their region’s service delivery.

An alternative office space in the centre of Wicklow town was considered in 2021. However this premises would require substantial financial investment before it could be utilised. Planning permission for the change of use of these premises was granted in late 2021 and consequently had not been factored into CIB’s 2022 budget allocation estimates process.

CIB continues to work closely with the Board of South Leinster CIS to support the region and ensure that delivery of high-quality services to citizens remain the priority.

The Department of Social Protection and CIB are currently holding discussions in respect of the funding required to complete the new premises development for Wicklow Town. These discussions are taking place in the context of CIB’s 2022 budget allocation and other competing priorities.