Naas solicitor Brian Larkin expresses concern over court relocation

Brian Larkin

Mr Larkin, who is also a candidate in tomorrow’s local elections, said plans to move the sittings from July until November could have an adverse impact on court users and local businesses, the Kildare Post reports.

The courthouse in Naas, Co Kildare is undergoing renovation due to health and safety concerns.

Work on the courthouse roof will begin on 15 July and is expected to be completed by 15 November. However, Mr Larkin said he would “not be surprised if it goes beyond November”.

He said it was “a pity that an alternative business could not be found in the town”, and added: “Some of the people coming before the courts are from disadvantaged backgrounds and do not have a car.”

A spokesperson for the Courts Service said: “Naas Racecourse has agreed to accommodate most of the relocated District Court sittings, all Circuit Court sittings and all County Registrar Motion Courts for the duration of the works.

“Some of the relocated District court sittings will be held in Athy for some of the dates during these works. It is anticipated that all vacation and out of hours courts will also sit in Athy. The Court public Office will remain open and will be accessible through the Basin street entrance.”