Decision to revoke Cashel and Carrick-on-Suir courthouse closures welcomed in both towns
Local politicians and solicitor give their reaction to District Court President Judge Paul Kelly's decision
The President of the District Court's decision to revoke the direction to close Carrick-on-Suir and Cashel courthouses has been welcomed in both towns.
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," the Fine Gael councillor told The Nationalist.
"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.
Carrick-on-Suir Reaction
Cathaoirleach of Carrick-on-Suir Municipal District Cllr David Dunne said it was “wonderful” news for Carrick-on-Suir and he was delighted district court sittings will continue in the town's courthouse.
He said the closure of the courthouse would have downgraded the status of Carrick-on-Suir which has already lost enough services such as its district hospital and Bus Éireann services to Dublin.
The Sinn Féin councillor said the closure of Carrick Courthouse would have impacted shops and other businesses in Carrick that always experienced a lift in trade in the town on the two Thursdays in the month court sittings took place in the town.
The Sinn Féin councillor said the courthouse's closure would also have forced local people, gardaí, solicitors and other court users from the town required to attend court sittings to travel to Clonmel. He pointed out some people don't have their own transport and are dependent on public transport so travelling to Clonmel would have been a significant inconvenience.
Cllr Dunne stressed though that Carrick-on-Suir Courthouse required investment to improve its facilities for the public using it and called on the Government to provide funding to renovate the building.
Carrick-on-Suir solicitor Michael A. O'Brien contacted The Nationalist to welcome the news. The former president of Tipperary Solicitors' Bar Association, who has practised in Carrick for 38 years, said he and other members of the legal profession in the town were delighted court sittings will now continue in Carrick Courthouse.
He said the decision was in the best interests of the people of Carrick and echoed Cllr Dunne in pointing out the closure would have caused major inconvenience and hardship to local people required to attend court sittings who hadn't their own transport.
Mr O'Brien also feared Carrick-on-Suir Garda Station would have been downgraded if the courthouse closed.
But he noted Judge O'Shea's concerns about conditions in Carrick Courthouse were valid and said money needs to be spent on renovating the courthouse and improving its facilities such as providing toilets for the public.
“Modest money could be spent to solve the problems at Carrick Courthouse,” he added.
'Positive outcome', says Fine Gael TD
Fine Gael TD Michael Murphy TD also welcomed the decision to revoke the direction to transfer court sittings of Carrick and Cashel Courthouses to Clonmel.
“This is a very positive outcome for all those who campaigned to protect local access to justice,” Deputy Murphy said. “The Constitution of Ireland guarantees that justice shall be administered in public and, crucially, that it shall be accessible. Local access to the courts is not a luxury — it is a right, rooted in the fundamental principles of our democracy and legal system.”
"The original direction to consolidate sittings in Clonmel would have significantly impacted court users in Carrick-on-Suir, Cashel, and its surrounding communities, creating barriers for individuals, solicitors, gardaí and other agencies engaged in the justice system.
“The retention of both Carrick-on-Suir and Cashel courthouses is not just a matter of convenience,” Deputy Murphy continued. “It brings social and economic benefits — supporting local businesses, maintaining employment, and ensuring that rural communities are not disadvantaged when it comes to accessing essential public services.”
Deputy Murphy paid tribute to the Tipperary Solicitors Bar Association and in particular their nominee and former President of the Law Society, Maura Derivan, for taking judicial review proceedings to challenge the initial direction — “at their own expense, and in the public interest.”
Deputy Murphy concluded by reaffirming his commitment to working with both the Courts Service and Tipperary County Council to ensure the Court buildings in Carrick and Cashel remain fit for purpose into the future. This decision is a win for both communities — for the people of Carrick-on-Suir and Cashel.”