DUBLIN City Council has granted planning permission to the OPW for the redevelopment of Kilmainham Courthouse.
Deputy Catherine Byrne (FG) welcomed the announcement, stating that it was great news for a part of the Southside that will be a key location for the upcoming 1916 commemorations.
“As a member of the local community, as well as a member of the Board of Visitors of
Kilmainham Gaol, I warmly welcome the commitment by the OPW and Dublin City Council to restoring and developing Kilmainham courthouse,
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“This has been made possible by funding from the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht in advance of the 1916 centenary celebrations which take place in 2016.
“This is great news for Dublin South Central which will be a key location for the upcoming 1916 commemorations. Between this Kilmainham announcement and the planned major restoration of Richmond Barracks in Inchicore, the area is going to be integral to the historic commemorations.
“In the past, Kilmainham Courthouse played an important role in the courts service and in our local community of Kilmainham and Inchicore.
“We were privileged to have distinguished women members of the judiciary, retired Justice
Gillian Hussey and retired Justice Catherine McGuinness, presiding over the court in Kilmainham. They took great interest in the welfare of young people and juvenile offenders in their time on the bench there.
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Deputy Byrne added:
“I look forward to seeing Kilmainham Courthouse restored and open to the public as part of the Kilmainham Gaol complex. I think it will bring additional value in terms of tourist potential, making the whole complex a more dynamic and interesting place of heritage. As such it will be of great benefit to the local community.
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