In relation to the courthouse in Washington Street, Cork, Cork Corporation have been asked to assemble a design team to produce plans for the refurbishment of the building. Officials of my Department will shortly be meeting with representatives of the corporation to commence the planning process.
At this early stage in the planning, it is not possible to provide an accurate estimate of the cost, nor is it possible to state whether alternative court accommodation will be required until the plan for the phasing of the work is finalised.
My Department is currently finalising a programme of refurbishment works for courts generally, for 1995. In formulating the programme, it is necessary, obviously, to take account of existing contractual commitments, available resources and the degree of urgency attaching to particular projects. I am very conscious of the need to proceed with works at Washington Street, but am not in a position, at this point, to be specific as to the progress that can be made in 1995.