Gerry Reynolds
Ceist:175 Mr. G. Reynolds asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason for the delay in appointing a project architect for the development of the Sligo courthouse project. [2312/98]
Written Answers. - Court Accommodation.
The provision and maintenance of court accommodation in County Sligo is the responsibility of Sligo County Council.
Consultant architects have carried out an initial report on Sligo courthouse and preliminary plans were drawn up. Following on that report Sligo County Council were asked to appoint architects for the refurbishment of the courthouse. Given the scale of the proposed refurbishment project it is necessary to advertise for the appointment of architects in the Official Journal of the European Union.
Sligo County Council, who act as my Department's agents in relation to this project, have been drafting the advertisement and I understand that it will be submitted by them for inclusion in the official journal early next week. I also understand that an advertisement will also be placed in the national press towards the end of next week.
Following receipt of applications consultant architects will be selected to prepare detailed plans for the refurbishment of Sligo courthouse. I assure the Deputy that I am committed to having this refurbishment project carried out as quickly as possible as part of my Department's ongoing courts building programme.