'Historic occasion': Court of Appeal sits in Limerick for the first time

THE Court of Appeal sat in Limerick for the first time this Thursday. 

The court will also sit in Limerick Courthouse, Mulgrave Street on Friday to hear a number of criminal appeals. 

The Court of Appeal occupies a jurisdictional tier between the High Court and the Supreme Court. Its main function is to hear appeals from the High Court, both civil and criminal.

A spokesperson for the Courts Service said this is the first time the Court of Appeal has sat in Limerick, and is “a sign that the judges of the courts are bringing traditionally centralised courts to various regions”.

The six judges, led by Limerick native Mr Justice John Edwards, Ms Justice Isobel Kennedy, Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy, Mr Justice Michael MacGrath, Ms Justice Tara Burns and Ms Justice Nuala Butler were made to feel at home in their new surroundings.

Barrister John O’Sullivan, who prosecutes on behalf of the State in Limerick, said: “We welcome you to Limerick, the first time this court has sat in the historic city of Limerick.” 

He spoke of the convenience of all parties concerned, particularly for the (local) victims of crime, that the court sits here.

“I hope and expect it is the first of many visits to Limerick,” said Mr O’Sullivan.

President of the Limerick Bar Association Darach McCarthy, solicitor, told the court that it was “vitally important that the administration of justice” was not only achieved but that it was seen to be achieved “so near to where the crime is committed”.

Mr McCarthy said he too hoped “this will be the start of regular sittings of the Court of Appeal here in Limerick”.

On behalf of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Limerick State Solicitor Padraig Mawe, formally welcomed the six judges, describing it as “an historic occasion”.

In response, Mr Justice Edwards said: “We are somewhat taken by surprise of these warm words which we greatly appreciate.

"We all regard Limerick with great affection, and I would certainly endorse the views expressed, that it is a good thing that the Appeal Court does sit (outside Dublin) as it does bring justice closer to the victims.”

Mr Justice Edwards concluded by saying, “We feel very welcome and we are delighted to be here. I think this will be the first of many visits for the court. You’ll have to send us the business”. 

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The Courts Service spokesperson said the use of the now world class facilities across the country, including in Limerick, means that courts such as the Central Criminal Court and the Court of Appeal, “can reduce the need for gardai and other witnesses to travel and maybe have to stay in Dublin, and also reduces the need to transport prisoners to the Criminal Courts Of Justice in Dublin”.

The staffing of these settings are supported by the Court of Appeal office and registrars.

“These arrangements mean the courts are using as much of our estate of buildings as they can - and this helps the flow of cases from becoming backlogged, if the court rooms centrally are in full use,” concluded the Courts Service spokesperson.