The Courts Service has been forced to cancel today’s sitting of Letterkenny District Court because no judge is available.
Solicitors and Gardai have been informed of the situation by courts service management a short time ago.
It is understood issues around Covid has led to a shortage of available judges.
A new District Judge, Raymond Finnegan was appointed to the position in Court Area Number 1 last year.
However, after just a number of months in the post, Judge Finnegan transferred to the Cavan/Monaghan court area.
A new appointment has since been made with Judge Eiteain Cunningham due to take over in Court Area number 1 in the coming weeks.
In recent weeks a number of replacement judges including Judge Alan Mitchell and Judge Deirdre Gearty have been filling in until Judge Cunningham takes over.
A court service spokesperson said that in accordance with Order 2 (3) of the District Court Rules and a direction received from President Kelly all matters stand adjourned to tomorrow 29th of March 2022 @ 10.30am.
The spokesperson added “Some courts and cases this week have been adjourned in various Districts. This is because the increase in covid infections has affected staff and judicial numbers.
“The current surge in the incidence rate of Covid 19 has resulted in unprecedented numbers of Courts Service staff, Judges, practitioners and witnesses unable to attend at Courthouses. This position is reflected across the justice sector.
“The situation in each area is being kept under review.”