Longford courts system in crisis
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New data shows 96% drop in criminal legal aid certificates issued in Longford year-on-year
New figures from the Courts Service show a dramatic reduction in the number of criminal legal aid certificates being granted by the Longford District Court office following the introduction of the new Criminal Legal Aid Scheme in July.
In Longford, the number of certificates granted fell from 93 in July 2025 to 4 in July 2026.
In a letter to the Minister for Justice, Jim O’Callaghan, the Law Society has called for the appointment of an independent mediator to help resolve the impasse over the new Criminal Legal Aid Scheme.
The figures provided to the Law Society show that 702 criminal legal aid certificates were granted nationally in July 2026, compared with 10,277 in July 2025, a 93% reduction of certificates.
The figures cover legal aid certificates granted in the District Court, District Court appeals and matters sent forward for trial. Importantly, the July 2026 figures include certificates granted under both the old and new Criminal Legal Aid Scheme.
The Law Society has consistently said that reform of criminal legal aid is necessary and overdue, but that the new model which came into effect on July 1, 2026 does not adequately reflect the reality, complexity or duration of criminal cases.
Solicitor Lisa Duffy of the Longford Bar Association, said: "The figures provided by the Courts Service are deeply concerning and demonstrate the scale of the reduction in criminal legal aid certificates since the new scheme came into effect.
“Access to legal representation is a fundamental part of ensuring that the criminal justice system operates fairly and effectively.”
“The criminal justice system in Longford is under significant pressure and solicitors in Longford are seeing first-hand the impact that the new scheme is having on the provision of criminal legal aid, leaving many without access to justice.”
She added, “These figures should prompt an urgent review of how the scheme is operating in courts across the country.”
“We would encourage the Minister and the Department of Justice to listen to the experience of practitioners on the ground and to take practical steps to ensure that access to justice is protected.”
“The Law Society remains available to engage with the Minister and the Department of Justice on the announced review and on practical measures which could make the Scheme workable in the interim.”