A new venue to host legal trials in Roscommon has been described as the "best hope" for allowing matters involving multiple defendants proceed during the pandemic.
Concern has been expressed at how suitable a courthouse in Tullamore will be to host Circuit Court trials later this year.
A number of trials involving Roscommon matters were moved there today, in order to be heard on December 1st.
A two week sitting is scheduled for December, but Judge Comerford told a special sitting of the Roscommon Circuit Court this week that he believes the maximum capacity of the Offaly venue due to the Coronavirus is 21 - excluding the judge and registrar.
He explained that no trials for the midland circuit will go ahead in Sligo or Longford at present , and that Tullamore is the only suitable venue to host trials in the Midlands during the pandemic.
He understands that the new Roscommon Court facility will not be ready until June of next year, and video links may be required for witnesses as well as enlarged legal teams to monitor proceedings.
