Where Wicklow court’s soaring poor box funds were spent last year
The Wicklow PeopleThe amount of money paid out from the Bray Courthouse poor box surged more than 600pc in just one year, with local charities receiving €51,967 in 2024 compared to only €7,320 in 2023.The massive rise reflects a significant jump in the sums ordered by judges to be donated as part of court outcomes, marking one of the largest increases on record for Co. Wicklow.
The rise in Bray matches a national trend as charities from across the island have benefited just over €1.67 million, a 59pc increase on 2023 figures.
Organisations dealing with all types of social issues have benefited from the increase. The fund is in place to help mostly first-time offenders, avoid convictions for more minor and non-violent offences.
A spokesperson for the Courts Service described the poor box as being “predominantly used by the District Courts who deal with criminal offences of a less serious nature. The individual amounts can vary substantially depending on ability to pay, other penalties imposed, and the nature of the offences”.
“The option of paying into the court poor box usually arises where the offence is minor in nature and would not attract a custodial sentence. Public order offences can be the most common offences for which the poor box option is given to defendants.
"These include breaches of the peace, intoxication, or disorderly conduct in a public place, threatening, abusive or insulting behaviour in a public place, or failing to comply with a direction from An Garda Síochána. It is at other times used for first time, minor drug possession offences, and offences against property.”
The spokesman added: “There are many reasons and instances why the court poor box is used by judges for offences on the more minor side of the scale. The accused may never previously have been before the courts, the accused may have pleaded guilty, a conviction might be inappropriate, or might adversely affect employment, career or working abroad prospects, and / or the offence may be of a minor or less serious nature.
“Charities regularly benefit from even more payments from court cases being concluded, because as an alternative to using the poor box, judges regularly order defendants to pay monies directly to a charity and produce a receipt for same.”
The history of the poor box predates the foundation of the state, organisations in Wicklow can apply in writing to Bray District Court office to become a part of the courts charity system and receive future court donations. Any applications received will be brought to the attention of the presiding judge for Bray and the Court Service issues payments on the direction of that presiding judge.
The dramatic rise in donations highlights how the poor box continues to serve as a valuable resource for local charities, while giving offenders an alternative to harsher outcomes.
For many organisations in Bray, the increase in donations has provided a much needed boost to their work in Wicklow. It turns minor court penalties into a positive for everyone involved.
Breakdown of Wicklow court donations for 2024
Arklow Community Action Resource Centre €938
Bray and North Wicklow Stroke Club €563
Bray Community Addiction Team €1,975
Bray Travellers Community Development Group Ltd €750
Irish Rule of Law International €1,500
Lifeboats Wicklow Fundraising Branch €1,125
Order of Malta (Wicklow Mountains Rescue) €750
St Vincent de Paul Arklow Parish €2,250
St Vincent de Paul Society (Bray) €2,813
St Vincent de Paul Wicklow Parish €2,250
St Vincent de Paul (Kilquade) €1,125
The Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation €3,000
WAY Project – Wicklow Action for Youth (Foróige) €1,875
Wicklow Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals €750
Wicklow Old Folks Christmas Party €375