A criminal trial will begin in Waterford for the first time since March today.
Civil and family law sittings have been continuing in Waterford since the end of May with two judges sitting with allocated time slots and social distancing protocols in place.
However, there are plans to increase business in the District and Circuit courts.
The Central Criminal Court sits in Waterford from today until Tuesday the 11th of September. They will begin hearing a rape trial.
The courts service say that while there are six courtrooms in Waterford, space will be at a premium. The number of people who can safely attend at Waterford Courthouse at any time is 75
It will require the use of three courtrooms to conduct a criminal trial - the main trial court, a courtroom will be used for jury deliberation and the third will act as an overflow for the media and the public.
Two other courtrooms will be used by the District and Circuit courts with the final room to be made available to the legal practitioners to help with social distancing requirements.
