Jennifer Murnane O'Connor (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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60. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform for an update on refurbishment works to be carried out on Carlow Courthouse railings during 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29337/24]

Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
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Due to Covid-19, along with other unforeseen delays during the procurement and construction stages, the pilot phase for this project, focusing on 10 sections of the railings surrounding the Courthouse, was successfully completed in early March 2023. The defects liability period came to a close on the 6th March 2024.

This pilot scheme has set out the way forward to complete the rest of the conservation and restoration works to the historic Carlow Courthouse railings. Repairs and restoration works remain to be carried out on 50 sections of railings.

The extent of the next phase of repair works will need to be agreed with the Courts Service and a cost estimate for the works will be provided for approval by the Courts Service before preparation of tender documents by the Office of Public Works is undertaken. This process may take up to 18 months, subject to the necessary planning approvals being in place and from the Courts Service.

In parallel, there has been a proposal developed between the OPW Property Maintenance Waterford Office and the Courts Service, where it is planned to include the refurbishment of both sets of gates located on the Athy and Dublin Roads, respectively, and three sections of railings only on the Dublin Road side. The Waterford OPW Regional Maintenance Architects' Office have agreed to apply for Part 9 Planning with the proposal to refurbish all the remaining gates and railings, but to carry out the proposed conservation and refurbishment works to two sets of gates and three sections of railings associated with the carpark upgrading works, in the first instance, subject to Part 9 Planning Approval. It is currently with the Courts Service to review the provision of funding for the remaining railings, comprising of 47 decorative railing panel sections and the pedestrian front gates.

My office will keep the deputy updated on progress on the refurbishment works at Carlow Courthouse.

Thomas Pringle (Donegal, Independent)
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61. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform what plans the OPW has to refurbish or upgrade the courthouse in Donegal town; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29481/24]

Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
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The Courts Service has overall responsibility for Courthouses with the Office of Public Works (OPW) providing professional services as required.

The Courts Service has approved works in relation to the conservation, fabric restoration and repairs to flat roofs at Donegal Town Courthouse.

The OPW is progressing this project and works are expected to commence later this year. The Courts Service are also liaising with the OPW in relation to external fabric works to the building.