OLD COURTHOUSE MAY OPEN AGAIN
THE COURTS Service is examining the possibility of re-opening the former Boghall Road courthouse in order to alleviate pressure on the current courthouse.
Some discussions had previously taken place around the possibility that the premises might be used for the youth mental health service ‘Jigsaw’.
In a letter to Deputy John Brady, head of the estate management unit Simon Hall said that the courts service is looking at the possibility of the Boghall Road building being used to provide additional courtroom facilities in the future.
‘The current courthouse located in the Civic Centre on the Main Street is operating at or near capacity,’ reads the letter. The Office of Public Works have been engaged to undertake the necessary building surveys and investigations.
‘A final decision has not been made at this time,’ wrote Mr Hall. ‘When the results of the survey/investigation are known the future of the building will be further considered.’
Jigsaw is a youth-friendly service that provides a safe place for young people aged 12-25 to get free and confidential help.
Bray Area Partnership’s Youth Mental Health sub-group has been working for a number of years to try to secure a Jigsaw project for Bray and North Wicklow.
In a presentation to Bray Municipal District in November 2015, Chairperson of the sub-group Sinead Tuite, Jennifer D’Arcy of Bray Area Partnership and Grace Mac Manus of Be Well Bray said that they were seeking to identify a premises and funding to support a significant investment by Headstrong and the HSE.
The group was setup by Bray Area Partnership following a seminar held with young people in October 2012.
The work of the sub-group to date has resulted a number of outcomes including participation in the Headstrong Learning Network, information sessions, training, workshops and much more positive work in the area of youth mental health.
Jennifer D’Arcy said that they continue to work to bring a Jigsaw project to Bray. ‘We had been in discussions with the Courts Services and there was an indication that there may be difficulties with availability of the premises,’ she said.
‘We will continue to try to secure a Jigsaw site in Bray and are looking at all options. It is absolutely vital for young people as it offers an immediate response.’
She said that the group is working closely with Jigsaw, the five Wicklow TDs, Wicklow County Council and the HSE. ‘A lot of work is being undertaken by young people with Be Well Bray and Wicklow to try to secure the service,’ she said.
Meanwhile, Deputy Brady has asked the Courts Service to consider reopening the former courthouse in Wicklow Town. ‘They have kept up the running costs of this building since its closure,’ he said, adding that he is urging Minister Simon Harris ‘to do everything in his power to assist in commencing this service for the benefit of our young people’.