Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 6 Feb 1996

Vol. 461 No. 1

Written Answers - Cork Courthouse.

Peter Barry

Ceist:

192 Mr. Barry asked the Minister for Justice when the major refurbishing programme on Cork's Courthouse at Washington Street will commence; where the Circuit and High Courts will sit while this work is under way; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2574/96]

Minister for Justice (Mrs. Owen)

The refurbishment of the courthouse at Washington Street is being undertaken in two phases. Cork Corporation, who is the Department's agent for the project, has received tenders for phase one which relates mainly to exterior works. My Department has recently received a full report from Cork Corporation on the tenders received. This report has to be considered by my Department, the Office of Public Works and the Department of Finance prior to giving the final approval to proceed. At this stage I cannot give an actual commencement date for this phase of the works.

The courts will continue to sit in Washington Street courthouse for the duration of the phase one works. Planning for phase two which includes major internal refurbishment is at an early stage. At this stage it is too early to indicate what exact arrangements will be made for the High and Circuit Courts sittings during this phase of the works other than it is proposed that the arrangements for the temporary accommodation required for the court offices and court sittings will be made by Cork Corporation in full consultation with the Department, the county registrar and the Judiciary involved.