BREAKING: President of District Courts revokes decision to close two Tipperary Courthouses
The Courts Service has confirmed Judge Paul Kelly has revoked the direction to transfer court sittings from Cashel and Carrick-on-Suir Courthouses to Clonmel
The President of the District Court has revoked the decision to close Cashel and Carrick-on-Suir Courthouses, the Courts Service has confirmed.
The Courts Service has issued a statement outlining that following Judge Brian O’Shea’s resignation, the President of the District Court Judge Paul Kelly has revoked the directions to transfer court sittings from Cashel and Carrick-on-Suir to Clonmel.
Two weeks ago Judge O’Shea revoked his direction regarding the transfer of court sittings from Youghal to Dungarvan.
The Courts Service statement added that at the Judicial Planning Working Group (JPWG) steering committee meeting this week, the group highlighted as a priority that all Districts will be examined as part of the proposed restructuring of District and Circuit Court boundaries.
"This is one of the key recommendations to deliver on from the JPWG report and will also be a key element in the implementation of the new Family Law Courts Act."
Judge O'Shea issued his direction in March to transfer court sittings at both court houses due to their "gravely inadequate" conditions. He resigned from the bench last week to return to practising as a barrister.
Cashel Cllr Declan Burgess, who campaigned to stop the closure of Cashel Courthouse, welcomed the decision as a "major win" for Cashel, Carrick-on-Suir and for all who have campaigned to protect local access to justice.
"From the outset, I made it clear that I totally opposed the closure of Cashel Courthouse. It was a short-sighted move that ignored the needs of rural communities and the important role this facility plays in our justice system.
"In recent weeks, I actively engaged with the Courts Service, seeking clarity and urging them to reconsider the decision in light of Judge O’Shea’s sudden resignation. I welcome Judge Kelly’s intervention and leadership in restoring fairness to the process.
"This outcome shows what can be achieved when a community stands together and refuses to back down.
"I want to sincerely thank all those who supported this campaign – your voices were heard. Especially those within the legal profession for their own stance on this matter," he added.
"Cashel and Carrick-on-Suir Courthouses remain open, and I will continue working to ensure it is invested in and maintained as a vital local service," he added.