The latest Irish Courts Service news includes important updates for practitioners, court users and members of the public. From new guidance on generative artificial intelligence in legal documents to venue changes, mediation services and accessibility works, several developments will affect how people interact with the courts.
The updates were published by the Courts Service in September 2026 and cover court administration, facilities, legal practice and public access. Users should check official notices before attending a hearing or filing documents.
Irish Courts Service news: New rules for AI in court documents
The Presidents of the Court of Appeal and the High Court have issued new Practice Directions on the responsible use of generative artificial intelligence in court documents. The directions came into operation on 1 September 2026.
The development reflects the growing use of AI-assisted tools in legal work. Solicitors, barristers and litigants must ensure that any material submitted to court is accurate, properly verified and compliant with existing procedural requirements. AI-generated content does not remove the responsibility on the person filing a document to check its reliability.
Court administration and venue changes across Ireland
The Courts Service has announced that the administration office for Tipperary District Court will move from Clonmel Courthouse to Nenagh Courthouse from 1 October 2026. Court users seeking administrative assistance should confirm the correct location before travelling.
In Dublin, fire-safety and accessibility improvement works at the Gandon Building in the Four Courts have led to temporary courtroom and access arrangements. The Office of Public Works (OPW) is carrying out the works, with some hearings relocated because of disruption. Practitioners and members of the public should follow on-site directions and updated Courts Service notices.
- Temporary courtroom changes may apply during refurbishment works.
- Access arrangements can change while improvement works continue.
- Users should allow additional time when attending the Four Courts.
Dublin Civil Office launches mediation pilot
The Dublin Civil Office, working with Community Law and Mediation, launched a pilot mediation service on 10 September 2026. The initiative is designed to provide an alternative route for resolving suitable civil disputes, potentially helping parties reach agreement without a full contested hearing.
Mediation is voluntary and is not appropriate for every case. Court users should obtain independent legal advice where necessary and follow the formal information provided by the Courts Service about eligibility and participation.
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Other Courts Service notices
A County Registrar motion list in Carrick-on-Shannon, County Leitrim, was moved from 8 October to 15 October 2026. Dublin District Court civil matters also experienced a temporary venue change, with Court 23 sitting in Court 8 at Áras Uí Dhálaigh during August because of works.
The Courts Service has also made the 2025 Annual Report statistical dataset available through its Open Data Portal. The information provides access to published court statistics and supports greater transparency about the operation of Ireland’s justice system.
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What court users should do now
- Check the Courts Service website for the latest location or hearing notice.
- Confirm whether a case has been affected by temporary building works.
- Verify all legal documents carefully, particularly where AI tools have been used.
- Contact the relevant court office before travelling if administrative arrangements are unclear.
Key takeaway: The latest Irish Courts Service news shows significant changes in court facilities, administration and legal practice. Staying informed through official Courts Service notices is the safest way to avoid delays and ensure compliance.
Article/Image Courtesy: Courts Service
