Half of circuit criminal trials delayed as courts seek alternative venues to avoid backlog

The Central Criminal Court may hold trials outside Dublin to make use of facilities around the country. File Picture of Washington Street courthouse in Cork city. Picture: David Creedon / Anzenberger

Hundreds of jury criminal trials before the Circuit Court have been delayed by the Covid-19 pandemic but plans are being put in place to secure alternative venues to resume trials next month.

The courts service said it is adapting to Covid-19 restrictions to avoid a backlog in cases and will make better use of existing buildings, while also looking at alternative venues.