Legal Aid row runs out of road in Waterford
Solicitors across the country withdrew their services from the Legal Aid Board over Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan's introduction of a €520 flat fee.
A new legal term began this week in Waterford Courthouse, which saw the return of many outstanding cases to both Central and Circuit Criminal Court.
It was the first sitting of these courts since July 2026, when solicitors across the country withdrew their services from the Legal Aid Board over Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan's introduction of the €520 flat fee.
Dublin solicitor John Quinn launched a judicial review against the Department of Justice, which will be heard on November 13.
Many matters, including charges of violent assault, sexual assault and rape, were impacted by the events of July 2026.
In Waterford Circuit Court, dozens of sentencing hearings were adjourned due to the strike. Victims of various crimes arrived in court only to find that their cases could not be advanced.
Throughout the summer, suspects accused of serious crimes, including stabbing and possession of an imitation firearm, presented in Waterford District Court with no legal representation.
In October 2026, however, it appears to be business as usual in Waterford Courthouse. In the Central Criminal Court, Mr. Justice Kerida Naidoo is preparing for several in-camera matters and a murder trial into the death of Pat Fitzgerald.
In Circuit Court, sentencing matters that were adjourned due to strike action were taken back up before Judge Eugene O'Kelly.
One solicitor spoke off record that the strike was essentially over in Waterford and that Dublin-based solicitors were the main drivers of the strike. In recent weeks, over 100 solicitors walked out of the Criminal Courts of Justice.
While matters seem to be back to normal in the Déise, some defendants appear to be in limbo. One defendant, currently in custody at Mountjoy Prison, is awaiting trial in Waterford. While appearing via video link this week, he informed Judge O'Kelly that his solicitor was not present. Judge O'Kelly commented: "I don't know why they're not here today but they're not."
