Close to 1.8 million euro in criminal legal aid has been paid across the Shannonside Northern Sound region so far this year.
Free legal aid may be granted in certain circumstances, for defendants who do not have the means to mount a defense in criminal proceedings.
Figures released to Shannoniside Northern Sound under the Freedom of Information Act show €1.74 million was allocated to legal aid fees between January and November 2021.
The grant of legal aid entitles the applicant to the services of a solicitor and counsel in the preparation and conduct of their defense or appeal.
Longford Court House accounted as the highest source of fees in the region, with just over half a million euro spent on legal aid this year.
In Cavan, €449,407 has been spent on court approved free legal aid over the 11 month period.
While in Monaghan and Roscommon, judges consented to €323,450 and €294,807 respectively on legal representation for those before the court.
Just €178,590 was spent on the fees in Leitrim across the year, the smallest figure in the region.
