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Figures released to Wicklow Sinn Féin TD John Brady in a written parliamentary answer show that a total of €111,407 has been spent on maintenance from 2010 to 2019.

The majority of that sum (83 per cent) was spent between 2011 and 2014 due to “heating costs and remedial works being carried out in relation to the roof of the courthouse”, Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan told him.

Mr Brady said the figures strengthened the case for fast-tracking plans to reopen the courthouse.

He told WicklowNews: “In early 2018 the Minister for Justice said Wicklow Courthouse would be included in the ten-year capital plan. He also stated that some demolition works to facilitate a planned extension would take place in early 2018. In a subsequent response I got from the Minister he stated the demolition works would take place in early 2019, we now know that these works have been kicked down the road.

“The plan to extend and refurbish the courthouse in Wicklow town must be fast tracked. Handing out €111,407 to keep the building closed amounts to a willful waste.

“I am again calling on the Government to stop wasting taxpayers’ money and outline a clear time frame for the reopening of the courthouse, or are they happy paying out this type of money indefinitely.”