Waterford to get dedicated family court to cut backlog

WATERFORD is to get a new standalone family court in an effort to deal with a growing backlog of cases and free up the main courthouse for criminal and civil cases.

Amid growing criticism of the delays faced by people trying to access the court facilities in the city, the Courts Service confirmed yesterday that it is in the process of locating extra accommodation to establish a new Family Law Court in Waterford. “This will help expedite family law cases in a more timely manner and in a more private and suitable environment,” said courts spokesman Gerry Curran.

Meanwhile, the refurbishment of the main courthouse on Catherine St is to go ahead as an independent project following the shelving of the decentralisation project for Waterford. The Courts Service will be taking possession of the site of the current fire station, almost adjacent to the courthouse, from the Office of Public Works when the fire service vacates the premises in April of next year.