AN historic structure in Howth is currently undergoing a makeover.
A refurbishment of the Old Courthouse in Howth on Harbour Road is underway and will continue over the next few months.
Fingal County Council’s Economic, Enterprise and Tourism Development Department have appointed Tolmac Construction Ltd as the main contractor for the refurbishment.
The work started on site in January and it is expected that it will take six months to complete.
The building is a protected structure in a prominent site at the junction of Harbour Road and Church Street in the town.
The refurbishment will allow for greater public use of the building with improved access for the public.
Following the completion of works, the Fingal Tourism Tourist information office will be relocated from an existing temporary cabin on Harbour Road and the main hall will be retained as a flexible space for community use.
A significant element of the work involves forming a new entrance courtyard to the western side to accommodate ramped access and allow for universal access to the building.
The new landscaped entrance courtyard will provide an elevated amenity space with seating overlooking the harbour area.
Emer O’Gorman, Director of the Economic, Enterprise and Tourism Development Department, said: “Fingal County Council continues to invest in the heritage of the county and the refurbishment of the Old Courthouse in Howth will provide a restored space for the community.”
Mayor of Fingal Cllr Eoghan O’Brien said the refurbishment is welcome news and is much needed for such an important historic site.
“It is also great to see that it will remain an important community space to use for the residents of Howth as well as a central spot for tourist information,” he said.
AnnMarie Farrelly, chief executive of Fingal County Council, said the refurbishment work is another example of the council’s continued commitment to investing in the heritage of Fingal.
“The refurbished building will provide much-needed community space for the residents of Howth,” said Ms Farrelly.