Limerick lawyer concerned for future of ‘underused’ Kilmallock Courthouse

Limerick county councillor and solicitor Bill O’Donnell has said he is worried for the future of Kilmallock Courthouse because it is underused.

He told the Limerick Leader that a sitting of the Civil Circuit Court was held in City Hall because of a lack of space in the city courts complex, despite Kilmallock Courthouse being empty.

Cllr O’Donnell said: “Unfortunately they decided to ignore Kilmallock and that Circuit Court is sitting in the council chamber. I have been saying this for years but this court is clearly underused. This is in stark contrast to the city where facilities are stretched.

“Kilmallock only sits four times a month. It is a magnificent court with excellent facilities. There are consultation rooms and plenty of parking.”

He added: “It is the third part of the excellent facilities - library, council building and courthouse - that we have in Kilmallock. However, from speaking to my colleagues and what I know myself I am worried about the future of the courthouse because it is clearly underused.”

Cllr O’Donnell suggested that a jury box be installed at Kilmallock Courthouse to make it suitable for hearing more criminal trials.