Vol. 497 No. 4
169 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the funds, if any, his Department has made available towards the refurbishment of the courthouse in Youghal, County Cork; if he will report on the progress made to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25330/98]
As I stated in my reply to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 258, 259 and 260 on 17 February 1998 I am committed to providing modern court accommodation in Youghal as quickly as possible.
Following consultations with Cork County Council it is clear that this Department's requirements in relation to the court, district court offices and ancillary facilities cannot be met within the existing courthouse site. Recently my Department became aware of plans for the development of a site to the rear of the courthouse. The acquisition of part of the ground floor of the proposed development is under negotiation at present. It is expected that this additional accommodation will be available towards the end of next year subject to the successful completion of lease arrangements. This will enable the refurbishment of the courthouse and the fit out of the new offices for the Youghal District Court, While planning for the refurbishment of the courthouse will commence early next year it is unlikely that there will be substantial expenditure on the refurbishment of the courthouse in 1999. The only cost arising will relate to the design team fees. It is difficult at this stage to say when refurbishment work will commence but I expect that work on Youghal Courthouse will begin in late 1999 or early in the year 2000 at which time the necessary funding will be made available.
