John Brady (Wicklow, Sinn Fein)
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44. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if she will provide an update on plans to refurbish Wicklow District Courthouse; when it is anticipated that works will commence; the timeframe for same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51940/22]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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The development of a new permanent courthouse in Wicklow is identified as a Courts Service project in the National Development Plan.

As the Deputy will be aware, under the provisions of the Courts Service Act 1998, management of the courts, is the responsibility of the Courts Service which is independent in the performance of its functions.

However, in order to be of assistance to the Deputy, I have made enquiries and the Courts Service has provided me with the following update.

The Government's revised National Development Plan 2021 -2030 includes a number of Courts Service projects to be completed during the period of the plan, including in Wicklow Town. The priority project for the period up to 2025 is the proposed new Family Law complex on Hammond Lane.

Specifically in relation to Wicklow Town, I am informed that the existing courthouse is in very poor condition and has been closed on health and safety grounds since 2010. All court business is currently being dealt with at Bray. A courthouse comprising four courtrooms and related facilities is envisaged as being required to meet current and future demand in Wicklow. This will require a building significantly larger than the existing two courtroom building.

The Courts Service proposes to refurbish and extend the courthouse to provide the required accommodation. The Courts Service has acquired a number of adjoining properties that were in council ownership so as to have available a larger site capable of accommodating a courthouse building on the scale envisaged.

I am informed that the OPW has recently undertaken some works to preserve the aesthetic appearance of the exterior of the existing Courthouse in Wicklow Town. The front façade of the building was power washed and treated, all doors and windows were painted and the external railings were painted.