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Criminal trials will take place in Croke Park during the first three months of 2021 to help the Courts Service deal with the practicalities of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Up to 200 court days will take place during the time period, which is part of the Court Service plan to ensure that as many court matters as possible can be conducted during the pandemic.
The new court facility at Croke Park, which has multiple conference facilities, will allow for three courts to sit.
The cost of hiring the venue for the three months is € 437,000, and the Court Service says it believes Croke Park offers the “optimal solution” for conducting trial hearings in the New Year “to continue providing access to justice during the pandemic. “
Speaking at the signing of the contract at the stadium, Courts Service Executive Director Angela Denning said: “We have been challenged across the country to try to facilitate criminal trials, in proper and safe locations in the midst of our responsibilities to maintain the operational courts and the staff, the judiciary, juries and court users safe.
“Outside of Dublin we have been using 12 venues across the country and feedback from jurors and others has been very positive.
“We will use Croke Park to ensure that 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 will take place there, and that respects the professional needs and the safety, privacy and dignity of all court users.”
Mark Dorman, director of Croke Park Stadium, said: “It is fitting that this great national headquarters 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.”
“Courts play a vital role in maintaining access to justice and public order in any country. They provide the opportunity for reparation to victims as individuals are held accountable for their actions. Croke Park is not used to grandiose adverse battles and provides a suitable arena for holding courts.
“The GAA welcomes Croke Park to the fields, and we hope we can build on the relationship that has been established over the years by GAA clubs that regularly host court sessions, when needed.”
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