Old Newbridge dole office to house probation services

Work is ongoing at the former Newbridge social welfare office to make way for probation service staff to move in before August of next week.

According to the Office of Public Works (OPW), which is the owner of the building, the Probation Service will occupy the former Department of Social Welfare Office on Eyre Street when the works are completed.

The building is located beside the site of the courthouse, which was burnt down several years ago.

“The works are being carried out in two phases. Phase one is the replacement of the roof - this has commenced and it is expected to be completed by the end of September 2016,” said an OPW spokesperson.

“Phase two is the fit-out - This will be advertised on eTenders, upon completion of Phase one, with works expected to be completed in quarter one, 2017.”

The spokesperson said it is anticipated the offices should be occupied by August 2017.

When the social welfare services moved to the former Newbridge Credit Union building in 2015, there had been local speculation a methadone clinic might be housed at the old office.

However, the OPW responded to the concern.

It said the delivery of methadone services was not part of the current plans for the office and it would be retaining it for use by another State agency.

It refused to identify the particular agency at that time. The building is currently cordoned off and surrounded by scaffolding.