Covid-19 crisis results in scaled down court sittings
In light of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic the capacity at District Courts in Sligo and across the country has been reduced to 16 people, with those present following HSE guidelines regarding social/physical distancing. Courts continued last week at Tubbercurry District Court, Sligo District Court and Carrick-on-Shannon District Court. In agreement among legal practitioners, two solicitors at Tubbercurry District Court acted as agent on behalf of other colleagues to reduce numbers present. Solicitors advised clients not to attend court with only some unrepresented defendants attending.
Court rooms have been assessed and 16 people is the number in order to comply with guidelines. It stated this practice direction will last to the end of the COVID-19 crisis, or June 30 th, 2020, whichever is sooner. The statement detailed, “On many occasions recently the number of people in the court, other than those who must be present at all times, has far exceeded the maximum numbers. Judges have addressed this issue on a number of occasions with the members of the legal profession, but the problem persists.”
The majority of matters at Sligo District Court on Thursday last were adjourned to June 18th next. The sitting of the County Registrar’s Motions Court, Family Law and Possessions Court scheduled at Sligo Courthouse on April 8th next has also been adjourned to May 13th next. Meanwhile, the Courts Service public offices remain open. However, practitioners and members of the public are reminded that attendance at public counters is for urgent business only and must be in strict compliance with social distancing rules. Communication with the public offices should be by phone or email and documentation should be sent by post or through drop box facilities provided.