John Brady (Wicklow, Sinn Fein)
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2022. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality his plans for Wicklow Court House; if the building will be returned to use for court services; if not, if it will be used as a community building; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42198/25]

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy will be aware, management of the courts and operational matters, including matters pertaining to court buildings, are the responsibility of the Courts Service, which is independent in the exercising of its functions under the Courts Service Act 1998.

However, to be of assistance to the Deputy, my officials have made enquires with the Courts Service. Wicklow Courthouse has been closed due to health and safety concerns since September 2010. The Office of Public Works (OPW) has provided the Courts Service with costings and options for the full restoration of Wicklow Courthouse, dependent on funding becoming available.

The Courts Service has further advised that, while open to making the Courthouse available for community usage, it is not currently in a position to do so for health and safety reasons. However, the Service has already liaised with Wicklow County Council and made the adjoining former Library building available to the Council, which is currently being used as a Ukrainian Hub.