253 Mr. Reynolds asked the Minister for Justice the plans, if any, there are to reconstruct a courthouse in Longford; and the timetable involved in carrying out this work in view of the fact that the Circuit and High Courts have moved out of Longford. [16182/95]

I have decided that Longford courthouse is to be refurbished by retaining the elements of architectural merit including the facade and rebuilding on the remainder of the site. Longford County Council, who is acting as the Department's agents for the project, is in the process of appointing consultant architects. At this early stage, it is not possible to give a detailed time scale for the project.

The High Court continues to sit in Longford town. In relation to the Circuit Court sittings, to date only jury trials have moved to Mullingar. This will be kept under review.