Steven Matthews (Wicklow, Green Party)
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82. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if her attention has been drawn to the closure of the Wicklow Town Citizens’ Information Centre (details supplied); if her Department proposes to fund a new centre at another location in the town; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17927/22]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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The Citizens Information Board (CIB) is the statutory body with responsibility for the Citizens Information Service (CIS). CIB provides funding to eight CIS companies that operate a national network of Citizens Information Centres. Each CIS is a limited company overseen by a board of directors and makes decisions independently on the delivery of services in their regions.

Therefore, decisions regarding the delivery of services in the region, including in Wicklow town are a matter, in this case, for the Board of the South Leinster CIS.

I understand that South Leinster CIS made the decision to discontinue services in their Wicklow town office from March 2020 due to health and safety concerns. The Board had undertaken an internal assessment of the premises and identified that they were unsuitable. I understand that the Board has looked for alternative arrangements and had identified a possible potential location. However, that premises required substantial financial investment before it could be utilised. I also understand that an alternative outreach office space has recently been identified in Wicklow town and that the Citizens Information Board is continuing to engage with South Leinster CIS with a view to progressing its use to meet local needs.

It is important to note that Citizens Information Services continue to be available in County Wicklow in offices in both Arklow and Bray. Arklow CIC is open for drop in callers on Tuesdays and appointments are also available on other days. Bray CIC is open for drop in callers on Mondays and Thursdays and appointments otherwise available. Callers can ring the offices five days a week with queries.

The CIB and the Board of South Leinster CIS are committed to the continued ongoing delivery of high-quality services to the people of County Wicklow.