Supreme Court to sit in brand-new Limerick courthouse today

The Supreme Court will sit in Limerick for the first time today in the city’s brand-new courthouse.

Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan and Chief Justice Frank Clarke will open the new courthouse at a ceremony later this afternoon.

Speaking ahead of the opening, Mr Flanagan said: “I am delighted to be in Limerick for the official opening of a new purpose built state of the art courthouse. This is also a historic occasion as the Supreme Court will sit in this new courthouse today and again tomorrow and Wednesday.

“This is the first time ever that the Supreme Court has visited Limerick and only the second time in history that the Supreme Court has convened outside Dublin, having visited Cork a number of years ago.”

The €26 million new Limerick courthouse contains six courtrooms (including the largest courtroom in Ireland at 200 square metres, which will primarily host sittings of Limerick District Court).

It has been built on the site of a former artillery barracks between Mulgrave Street and Roxboro Road, close to Limerick Prison. The old courthouse at Merchants Quay will also continue in use.

The justice minister added: “User facilities such as a vulnerable witness suite, victim support room, legal practitioners room, enhanced custody facilities, jury reception room, media room and consultation rooms are a welcome addition at the new courthouse.

“I am confident that this new courthouse will meet the needs of Limerick and the surrounding area for many decades to come.”