The latest Irish Courts update includes important information for legal practitioners, court users and members of the public. Notices from the Courts Service cover changes at the Four Courts, new educational resources, mediation services, local administration arrangements and guidance on the responsible use of generative artificial intelligence in court documents.
Irish Courts update: Four Courts access and building works
The Office of Public Works (OPW) is carrying out accessibility improvement works at the entrance gates of Dublin’s Four Courts during the long vacation. Separate notices have also provided updates for practitioners and court users returning to the Gandon Building, where fire safety and accessibility upgrades are being undertaken on the ground floor.
Anyone attending the Four Courts should check the latest Courts Service notice before travelling and allow additional time for access arrangements. Practitioners should also remain alert to any operational changes affecting hearings, offices or building entry.
New legal education and mediation services
The Courts Service has launched an updated edition of Let’s Look at the Law, a long-running schools programme. The refreshed material includes new lesson plans, videos and mock-trial resources, helping students understand how the Irish justice system operates.
In Dublin, the Civil Office has also partnered with Community Law and Mediation to launch a pilot mediation service. Beginning on 10 September 2026, the initiative is intended to support the resolution of suitable civil disputes outside a full court hearing.
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Regional court administration and scheduling changes
From 1 October 2026, the administration office for Tipperary District Court will move from Clonmel Courthouse to Nenagh Courthouse. Court users who need administrative assistance should confirm the correct location before attending.
A Leitrim County Registrar case progression list scheduled for 8 October 2026 has been cancelled and transferred to 15 October 2026 at 2:30 p.m. These notices highlight why court users should check official listings for changes to dates, venues and office arrangements.
Generative AI guidance for court documents
The Presidents of the Court of Appeal and the High Court have issued Practice Directions on the responsible use of generative AI in court documents. The directions came into operation on 1 September 2026.
The development reflects growing attention across the justice system to accuracy, professional responsibility, confidentiality and the reliability of material submitted to court. Legal professionals using AI-assisted tools must ensure that documents remain accurate, properly verified and compliant with applicable practice requirements.
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What court users should remember
- Check the Courts Service website before attending a courthouse.
- Allow extra time where accessibility or safety works are under way.
- Confirm regional administration office locations and court dates.
- Review the new AI Practice Directions before preparing court documents with generative tools.
The key takeaway from this Irish Courts update is that practical changes are being introduced alongside wider improvements in legal education, dispute resolution and digital governance. Court users and practitioners should rely on the latest official Courts Service notices for definitive arrangements.
Article/Image Courtesy: Courts Service Ireland
