Flanagan officially opens €18.1m Wexford Courthouse

It joins a group of completed courthouses, including Drogheda and Letterkenny, with four further new courthouses of substantial refurbishments to be delivered later this year.

The Chief Justice of Ireland, Mr Justice Frank Clarke, joined Mr Flanagan at the opening of the new courthouse, which was originally built as the Tate School in 1867.

Mr Flanagan said: “The new Wexford Courthouse is a combination of new and old as a modern extension of a landmark building which represents an important element of the mid nineteenth-century architectural legacy of Wexford. It is great to see how the new building and the refurbishment of the existing building provides modern facilities for this historic county town while contributing to the ongoing regeneration and evolution of Wexford.

“The completed building, with its prominent form and location, is the latest civic addition to the historic and evolving fabric of Wexford Town and should contribute to the life of the town for many years into the future.”

He added: “The court deals with many different, complex and sensitive issues that affect people’s lives and so to have a local courthouse, a place that is accessible, modern and user-friendly, is really important.

“Therefore, user facilities such as a vulnerable witness suite, victim support room, legal practitioners room, enhanced custody facilities, jury reception room, media room and consultation rooms are a welcome addition at Wexford Courthouse.

“I am confident that this new courthouse will meet the needs of Wexford and the surrounding area for many decades to come.”