Written answers

Thursday, 19 January 2023

Department of Public Expenditure and Reform

Court Accommodation

Photo of Steven MatthewsSteven Matthews (Wicklow, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

130. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will request that the OPW engages with the Courts Service regarding upgrade works (details supplied) for the former courthouse in Wicklow town; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2139/23]

Photo of Patrick O'DonovanPatrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I can confirm that Wicklow town Courthouse is owned by the Courts Service who are responsible for the scope and funding of any works to their buildings.

The Office of Public Works (OPW) does provide support to the Courts Service, on request, assisting with maintenance and works projects across their estate.

I can confirm that representatives from OPW Property Maintenance Services and the Courts Service recently met onsite at the former Wicklow Court house where they carried out a visual inspection of the condition of the building. The inspection identified a problem with water ingress through the roof of the Court House in a number of areas. The Courts Service has subsequently instructed OPW Property Maintenance Services to scope and cost works to the roof. OPW Property Maintenance Services will provide the Courts Service with details of the necessary work and a cost estimate for approval. When approval is received the OPW will go out to tender to procure a contractor to address the water ingress in order to protect the fabric of the building. Property Maintenance Services were also directed to disconnect the storage heaters in operation in the building.

OPW had previously carried out maintenance works on Wicklow Town 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. The scope and financing of these works was decided by the Courts Service.

To date the OPW have not received any request in relation to provide up-lighting at Wicklow town Court house from the Courts Service and the scope of any works to the building is a matter for the Courts Service who own the building and fund any works. The OPW would be happy to assist in this matter in the future if requested to do so by the Courts Service.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.