The number of criminal legal aid certificates granted in Waterford has fallen by almost 97% in the space of a year.

New Courts Service figures show just 10 certificates were granted through the Waterford District Court office in July 2026.

That compares with 312 during the same month last year.

The sharp decline follows the introduction of the new Criminal Legal Aid Scheme on July 1st, which is the subject of an ongoing dispute between the Government and the legal profession.

The Waterford Law Society says the figures demonstrate the pressure the new system is placing on criminal legal aid locally.

Leona McDonald, President of the Waterford Law Society, described the figures as ‘deeply concerning’.

‘Access to legal representation is a fundamental part of ensuring that the criminal justice system operates fairly and effectively.

‘Solicitors in Waterford 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.’

The Law Society has said reform of the criminal legal aid system is necessary, but argues the new model does not adequately account for the complexity and duration of some criminal cases.

It is seeking changes which would allow separate and distinct criminal cases to be treated separately where appropriate, as well as providing an additional legal aid certificate when a case goes beyond ten court appearances.

Ms. McDonald is now calling for an urgent review of how the scheme is operating.

‘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 has written to Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan and called for an independent mediator to help resolve the ongoing dispute over the scheme.