Wicklow Councillors: Answers & Action Needed For Long Derelict Wicklow Courthouse

They say an investment plan in line with Wicklow’s growing population must meet growing judicial needs.

Pressure is mounting on the Government to outline a plan for the long derelict Wicklow Courthouse.

Cllr Graham Richmond is demanding engagement with the Minister for Justice on the matter. He proposed a motion at this week’s County Council meeting to unanimous support, asking for a review of the Courts Service capital investment plan in line with Wicklow’s growing population.

The courthouse has remained closed for 16 years, with repeated promises it would be redeveloped. A feasibility study last year estimated the cost of restoring the courthouse at up to 17 million euro.

County Wicklow now has a population of approximately 150,000 people but is served by just one operational Circuit Court and two District Court courthouses. County Louth, by contrast, with a smaller population, has two Circuit Court venues, three District Courts, and benefited from a €9 million new courthouse in Drogheda in 2017.

The local Fine Gael representative Cllr Richmond says it's time for a solution:

This is an issue of fairness and access to justice. The imbalance between Wicklow and comparable counties is stark. People should not have to travel excessive distances or face delays in the courts simply because Wicklow has been overlooked when capital investment decisions are made.