Plans to modernise Bishop Street courthouse in Derry remain possible, but no capital funding is currently available for the project, Justice Minister Naomi Long has told the Assembly.

The minister was responding to a question from Sinn Féin MLA Ciara Ferguson about the upgrade of the Grade A listed building. Long said the intention under the overall review was to significantly refurbish and extend the courthouse to provide modern facilities, including space to separate witnesses and defendants on-site.

"That is still possible, but my challenge is that there is no capital funding available for that project at this time," she said.

In the interim, the department continues essential maintenance to keep the building in good repair for staff and to protect its architectural heritage. Long described the courthouse as "a pristine piece of architecture" in a historic location.

Two years ago, the former head of the NI Courts and Tribunal Service, Glyn Capper, estimated the cost of refurbishment in the "tens of millions" of pounds. Last year, Long said enough land had been acquired next to the courthouse to allow for a modern new facility.

This week, the minister said that based on plans she has seen, there is a real opportunity to reinvigorate Bishop Street courthouse and allow it to conduct the modern business of the court service.

The building, designed by Dublin architect John Bowden and completed in 1817, has been described as one of the finest neo-classical buildings in the north. Bowden was also responsible for Foyle College, St. Stephen's Church in Dublin, and Antrim Castle.