Harris confirms work to start on Wicklow courthouse

Wicklow TD Minister Harris has met with Minister Charlie Flanagan this week to discuss the reopening of Wicklow Courthouse. 

Speaking after the meeting Minister Harris said: 

“For a number of years now, I have been working with the Wicklow  Local Forum  to try and advance plans to refurbish, develop and reopen he Courthouse in Wicklow Town. This is our county town and although it was absolutely necessary to refurbish the building an extend, the pressure this process has put on court services throughout the county is immense. Bray is currently carrying the workload of both the bray area and Wicklow town with very limited accommodation.

The Court services have been a really significant loss for Wicklow Town also as the normal business that they would bring to the local economy is now taking place in Bray. It has been an absolute priority of mine to get the courthouse developed and reopened as quickly as possible. I was really pleased last year to receive confirmation that Wicklow is in the next bundle to be completed. I am delighted to confirm after todays meeting that works to reopen the courthouse will begin this year. 

Minister for Justice Charlie Flanagan confirmed to me that Wicklow Courthouse is included in the Capital plan and demolition works to allow the extension will start in the coming months. I am delighted that Wicklow is being treated as priority and as it has an existing building, it will be reopened soon. The Capital Plan also outlines provisions to invest  in improving facilities in Bray Courthouse.  I will be keeping in contact with the courts services in order to ensure this redevelopment goes smoothly and I will keep you updated as we move forward.