After five-and-a-half years and a €26m revamp, the jury delivers its verdict

NEW technology allowing video conference-style international link-ups for court cases is being incorporated into Cork’s Washington Street Courthouse, which will be back in business by the end of January 2005. It is five-and-a-half years since the doors of the historic building closed for renovations.

Architects of the €26 million development explained yesterday that the technology would be available to the seven courtrooms.

The Courts Service said this would allow vulnerable witnesses, such as children or unavailable foreign witnesses, to give evidence.