Councillor calls for review of plan to close Cashel Courthouse following judge's departure

A Cashel councillor has called on the Courts Service to review or reverse the decision to close Cashel Courthouse in the wake of Judge Brian O'Shea's resignation from the bench to return to practise as a barrister.

District Judge Brian O’Shea wrote to the head of District Court operations in March indicating he was transferring district court sittings from Cashel and Carrick-on-Suir to Clonmel due to the condition of Cashel and Carrick-on-Suir courthouses. The closure of both courthouses is due to happen in November.

Cashel Fine Gael Cllr Declan Burgess said Judge O'Shea's unexpected departure now raises serious questions about the future of these vital local court services.

He reiterated that he is completely opposed to the closure of Cashel Courthouse in his hometown.

“It is deeply flawed and short-sighted decision that strips vital services from our town and severely limits access to justice for people across rural Tipperary.

“Rather than closing the courthouse, a modest investment in basic upgrades, such as improving toilet facilities, would be a far more practical and cost-effective solution.”

“I have been actively campaigning to keep Cashel Courthouse open and have formally contacted the Courts Service to seek urgent clarity. 

“With Judge O’Shea no longer in position, I’ve asked if the closure decision will now be reviewed or reversed. The people of Cashel deserve transparency and answers.

Given the change in judicial circumstances, I am requesting that the Courts Service now review this decision in full.

Specifically, I am seeking answers to the following: Does the directive to close Cashel Courthouse still stand following Judge O’Shea’s resignation?

“Will the Courts Service pause or re-evaluate the proposed relocation of court sittings?

Carrick-on-Suir Courthouse, which is also due to close in November.