Croke Park to host criminal trials in the first three months of 2021

Croke Park is scheduled to host criminal trials during the first three months of 2021.

The iconic venue, best known for hosting GAA finals and musical concerts, has been on loan to the Court Service to provide courtrooms since mid-January.

In a statement, the Courts Service said it has worked with the GAA to provide adequate and secure facilities for those who must appear in court, lawyers, along with judges, staff, the Prison Service of Ireland and An Garda Siochana .

The new court facility is slated to provide up to 200 court days from January through March 2021.

It is part of a movement to ensure that as many judicial matters as possible continue during the coronavirus pandemic.

The Courts Service said that the cost of hiring the place is 437,000 euros.

We have been challenged across the country to try to facilitate criminal trials.

Angela Denning, executive director of the Courts Service, said the facility provides a place that is “respectful of the importance of procedure.”

“We have been challenged across the country to try to facilitate criminal trials, in proper and safe locations amid our responsibilities to keep courts operational and court staff, judiciary, juries and users safe,” he said. .

“Outside of Dublin, we have been using 12 venues across the country and feedback from judges and others has been very positive.

“We will use Croke Park to ensure this safety record continues as we provide access to justice in safe and adequate conditions.

“The facilities provide a place that respects the importance of the procedures that take place there, and that respects the professional needs and the security, privacy and dignity of all court users.”

Suitable sand

Mark Dorman, head of stadium business at Croke Park, added: “It is fitting that this large national venue is used as a vital support to the democratic functioning of the country as we work together to recover from the last months of crisis.

“The courts play a fundamental role in maintaining access to justice and law and order in any country. They provide the opportunity for victims to obtain redress, as individuals must be held accountable for their actions.

“Croke Park is not used to big adversarial battles and provides a suitable setting for courts.

“The GAA welcomes Croke Park to the courts and hopes that we can build on the relationship that has been established over the years by GAA clubs that regularly host court sessions, when needed.”