Limerick court cases disrupted as solicitors withdraw services

MULTIPLE Limerick solicitors have temporarily withdrawn legal aid services in protest of proposed changes to the criminal legal aid system.

Published 17th Jun 2026, 17:09 BST Updated 17th Jun 2026, 17:15 BST Solicitor Tom Kiely said: “This decision is not made lightly”. | Iconic MULTIPLE Limerick solicitors have temporarily withdrawn legal aid services in protest of proposed changes to the criminal legal aid system. Sign up to our Limerick Live newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know you can manage your profile, and explore all of the available newsletters from Limerick Live within your account.

A large number of legal aid cases before this Wednesday’s sitting of Limerick city District Court were adjourned due to solicitors participating in the action.

A trial before the Central Criminal Court sitting in Limerick has also stalled as part of industrial action from legal professionals temporarily withdrawing legal aid services in protest at the proposed changes, which are to come into effect on July 1.

The legal aid reform is seeking to introduce a single flat-fee for legal professionals supplying legal aid in the district court.

READ MORE: Limerick solicitors slam minister’s plan to reform legal aid scheme

The Department of Justice believes this will minimise what it sees as “unnecessary adjournments”.

The department believes that legal professionals are adjourning cases to maximise legal aid fees issued in criminal cases, however, legal professionals have denied that they are the cause of unnecessary adjournments in the legal aid system.

Solicitor Tom Kiely, of Limerick’s Kiely McCarthy Company legal firm, has stated: “If the proposals, as vaguely outlined, are implemented, they will inevitably lead to an exodus of criminal law practitioners.”

“It risks creating a two-tier justice system in which only those who can afford private representation receive professional, thorough, and compassionate legal assistance.”

“The proposed changes seek to reduce the number of legal aid certificates issued to solicitors as the Department of Justice believes that solicitors are maximising payments, leading to unnecessary adjournments.”

“The Law Society of Ireland, on behalf of practitioners, has attempted to engage constructively with the Government and the Department of Justice,” said Mr Kiely.

“Despite these efforts, the Department has shown complete disregard for the profession, and no consultation has taken place regarding these significant changes.”

“As a result, and in the hope that the Department will reconsider, consult with us, and take our concerns seriously, we feel we have no option at this time but to withdraw our services in respect of criminal legal aid clients, except for juveniles and persons currently in custody.”

The statement from Mr Kiely continued: “This decision is not made lightly. It is not intended as disrespect to the court, the prosecution, or any other stakeholders. We believe, however, that this action is necessary to safeguard the future of our criminal justice system.”

“It is essential to protect the rights of individuals under investigation and those charged and appearing before the courts.”

“Those reliant on the criminal legal aid scheme will not receive the same standard of representation. That is fundamentally unfair, and we feel compelled to take a stand to protect our current and future clients.”

“Accordingly, as of today, June 17, 2026, and continuing tomorrow and Friday, my office will not be dealing with criminal legal aid cases, save for juvenile matters and cases involving persons in custody.”

Separately, industrial action taken by prison officers at Limerick Prison has also impacted the courts in Limerick.

Highlighting the issue at Kilmallock District Court last week, Judge Patricia Harney said she was unable to direct that certain prisoners be produced 'in person' for procedural hearings because of what she described as "some sort of work-to-rule".

The judge did not provide any further details, and in each case she directed that defendants appear via video link.

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