Regional courthouses to close as staff cuts hit

A "critical" staffing situation in the Courts Service has prompted proposals for the closure of regional courthouses across Dublin and the centralisation of cases in two centres.

The Courts Service warned that if it did not take radical action, it would “inevitably lead to disruption and cancellation” of court sittings.

It accepted changes would “cause inconvenience” for some, but urged all concerned to send submissions to it in the coming weeks.

The Courts Service will consider submissions at the end of June, followed by a final decision of the board in July. There is an expected start date in January 2015, with a six-month implementation period.

Under the proposals:

- Tallaght, Dun Laoghaire, Swords, and Balbriggan courts will cease operating;

- All criminal cases in these courts will be heard at the Criminal Courts of Justice in Dublin City;

- All traffic cases will be transferred to Blanchardstown courthouse in north-west Dublin;

- All juvenile cases in Blanchardstown, Tallaght, and Dun Laoghaire will be held in the Children’s Court, Smithfield;

- All remaining cases will be heard in existing civil and family courts in the city centre.

“Our staff are currently stretched to the limit to meet and maintain existing service levels, and at the same time meet increasing demand,” said a spokesman.

He said while the closure of any court office would “inevitably cause inconvenience for some”, the plans will result in improved services for court users.

“With no change, we will have to cut back services, our ability to service court sittings will inevitably be affected, and there will be consequential increased waiting times,” he said.

“If we do not reorganise there will inevitably be disruption to and cancellation of court sittings.

He said the proposals take into account further cuts to staffing (already down 15% since 2009) — demonstrating a critical staff situation now and fast developing for the future.

In addition, demands on the service are increasing, including a new family law court, new fines legislation, and anticipated increases in applications for repossession in the circuit court.

Submissions can be sent to [e-mail].