245 Mr. L. Burke asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when the current remedial works on the courthouse at Washington Street, Cork will be completed; the extent and cost of this project; if it will, at some stage, result in the re-siting of the Circuit Courts to another Cork venue to facilitate the work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19369/97]

Phase I of the refurbishment of the courthouse in Washington Street which involves the repair-refurbishment of the exterior and the roof of the courthouse is currently under way. This phase of the project will cost approximately £3.5 million and is due to be completed in late 1998.

Planning for Phase II, which will involve the full refurbishment of the interior of the building, is currently under way. It is intended that this phase will commence upon completion of phase I. As phase II has not yet gone to tender it would not be prudent for commercial reasons to provide an estimate of the cost.