The Northern Ireland Courts and Tribunals Service (NICTS) has gone ahead with the closure in spite of criticism from local lawyers, who warned that it would impact vulnerable clients.

The relocation is necessary to allow extensive essential maintenance work to be carried out on the building, it said.

All family and youth business at Londonderry Courthouse will move to Coleraine Courthouse, and all other business to Omagh Courthouse. Public counter services will be maintained at Londonderry.

Peter Luney, NICTS acting chief executive, said: “We acknowledge that some disruption is inevitable, however every effort has been made to minimise this, including carrying out the essential works over the Summer Recess period.

“The health and safety of court users is paramount and the patience and co-operation of the judiciary, legal professionals, staff and the public during this time is greatly appreciated.”