Mr Brian Hayes, TD, Minister of State with special responsibility for the Office of Public Works (OPW) has officially received the keys of the former Kilmainham Courthouse from Chief Justice of Ireland, Mrs Susan Denham.

The former Kilmainham Courthouse occupies a site immediately adjacent to Kilmainham Gaol and has been vacant since July 2008. The OPW propose to adapt the Kilmainham Courthouse building for visitor use - this is a unique opportunity to create additional space to deal with visitors and to provide ancillary curatorial, exhibition, research and welfare facilities. It is envisaged that the entire project will be complete in time for the 2016 centenary commemorations.

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Minister Hayes said: "It is my great pleasure to be here today to receive the keys of Kilmainham Courthouse on behalf of my office, the OPW. I am extremely grateful to the Chief Justice, Mrs Denham and the Courts Service for facilitating the proposed development of this building to complement the Kilmainham Gaol visitor site. The Gaol is one of the State's premier visitor heritage sites, attracting approximately 310,000 visitors annually and the addition of this courthouse building will enhance and expand that visitor experience.

"My Office will develop proposals which will, in time, commemorate and honour the many important historical events which were played out here and indeed, the building is an important social and judicial witness to the development of our Nation."

(CD/JP)