1. The loss of the Court sitting in Youghal, would have a huge negative impact both socially and financially. Court sittings in Youghal are very important and provide a significant boost to the local economy.
2. Justice should be administrated locally and not put the expense on people to travel to Dungarvan. Also when its administrated locally, there is deterrent effect of having to face one’s neighbours, friend and members of the local community in Court, in public in one’s own town should never be underestimated.
3. It would also affect access to Justice for Family Law. Commitment was given that a District Court Register would attend the Mall Arts Centre in Youghal, every day on which Youghal District Court sits, to provide a Family Law service. This gives assistance with application for protection Order, Safety Orders and Barring orders. This commitment has been fulfilled and is fully utilised. There is a separate room available in Youghal for this consultation, but not available in Dungarvan. It is now envisaged that applicants will now have to travel to Waterford City to lodge their applications.
4. There would also be a lack of Gardaí in the town on court dates, which are already slack, if they must attend court in Dungarvan.
