Green TD Steven Matthews has received confirmation from the Office of Public Works (OPW) that the tender process for the urgent repairs to the roof of Wicklow Town Courthouse has been completed and contractors will commence work shortly. This has been progressed in conjunction with the Courts Service and the Wicklow Town Team and the initial work will focus on preserving the structural integrity of the roof which is required before any further repairs or construction on the building can be completed.
Speaking following this update from the OPW, Deputy Matthews said:
“I am delighted to see that the tender process for repairs to the roof of Wicklow Courthouse has been completed. This is a major step forward for the longer-term project of bringing the building back into public use.
“This is a beautiful heritage building in a prominent spot in Wicklow Town and its such a shame to see it lying vacant for so long. It’s something that I have raised on countless occasions since being elected as a TD and I am delighted to see things finally moving in the right direction.
“I believe that the main building itself and the smaller buildings at the rear of the campus should be brought into community use for groups like Wicklow Towns Men’s Shed and any other local group that need a regular meeting space. There is a shortage of public meeting spaces in the town, and this would be ideal given its location.
“I will continue to engage with Wicklow County Council and the OPW on future funding opportunities to progress the full project of bringing the building back to full use.
“After the initial phase of completing these necessary works to the courthouse roof, we need a long-term plan for the use of the building. This needs to be done in conjunction with the local community including the Wicklow Town Team.
“Given the historic importance of the building, we have to get this right so that it can get a new lease of life and function as a centre point and community hub for Wicklow Town, concluded Deputy Matthews.
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