In its presentation to the public meeting, the Council's architects for the project stated that the interior of the Old Cell Block including the prison cells was entirely intact and that the structure was completely sound. However the architects also outlined to the meeting that their brief was to provide a 'usable space' for the Council. Providing this 'usable space' would entail the demolition of all but one or two of the existing old Jail cells.

Speaking at the meeting Sinn Féin Press Officer, David Forde, said:

"Wexford is a town of unique and ancient history and yet we have no museum in this town to showcase our long and eventful history. This makes very little sense. If the Council demolish the interior of this Jail, then this and future generations will find it unforgivable. If we cannot develop a museum on this historic site, already owned by the Council, and within walking distance of the town centre, then where else are we ever likely to find a more appropriate location to construct one in this town?

"The Council wish to create a 'usable area' for storing its records, and seem to consider file storage as being more important than the preservation of this historic jail in which Wexfordmen were imprisoned and executed. The Council clearly need to apply more imagination to this whole issue and to place some value on our history.

"It is entirely pointless going through the motions of public consultation, if as it appears, the Council intend to proceed as they had already planned and to disregard the many objections and points of view expressed at the public meeting.

"I would call on all local interested groups, including the Wexford Historical Society, the Tourist Board, the Chamber of Commerce and others to take an urgent interest in this project before it is too late and to insist that the County Council rethinks its plans."