Carlow TD provides update on refurbishment works to Carlow Courthouse

Local Fianna Fáil TD, Jennifer Murnane O’Connor, has received an update on refurbishment works to be carried out by the Office of Public Works (OPW) on Carlow Courthouse railings during 2024.

The OPW’s update states that a design team will shortly be assembled and the scale and methodology of the conservation and restoration works will be scoped in the meantime.

Deputy Murnane O’Connor said: “This update from the OPW on the refurbishment works on the Carlow Courthouse railings this year is welcome.

“The OPW has confirmed that repairs and restoration works remain to be carried out on 50 sections of railings at Carlow Courthouse and the extent of the next phase of repair works needs to be agreed in advance with the Courts Service.

“In terms of next steps for the refurbishment, a design team will be assembled shortly through the OPW Conservation Consultants’ Framework. In the meantime, the OPW will scope the scale and methodology for the conservation and restoration works to the remaining railings and apply for the requisite Declaration from Carlow County Council to undertake the works.

“The OPW informed me that the process of administering the project in terms of procurement, management and monitoring of the works on behalf of the Courts Service will take 18-24 months, subject to Carlow County Council approving a Declaration to proceed, the order of magnitude of costs being approved by the Courts Service and resources being allocated internally to monitor the appointed external consultants.

“I have been calling for action on the railings for many years and the refurbishment must be completed.”