Strike action to close courts on Wednesday
The Courts Service says that it will not be able to support courts and open public counters on Wednesday due to strike action by public-service workers.
The courts body said that it had taken the decision after consultations with the trade unions and staff to clarify the parameters and impact of the strike.
This means courts are cancelled and public counter service will not be available on Wednesday 14 October 2026, except for:
- Emergency domestic-violence and childcare applications to provide protection to victims of domestic violence and children requiring emergency care,
- An Garda Síochána applications to remand an accused person in custody where station bail has not been granted, and
- High Court dealings with injunctions to protect life, health, safety, or welfare.
'Sensitive' work
"In granting these derogations, both unions recognise the particular importance and sensitive nature of the work carried out by the Courts Service, as well as the potential severe consequences for the community and vulnerable individuals should urgent, critical matters arise," a Courts Service statement said.
Those looking for emergency domestic-violence or childcare supports on Wednesday should contact gardaí, who have access to the local courthouse or court office emergency on-call number.
In the case of injunctions in the High Court, contact the High Court duty registrar on 087 609 1359.
District Courts are automatically adjourned to the next sitting in the same District Court district, except where the judge assigned to the district specifically adjourns the court to a different day.
Where courts are adjourned to a different day, the Courts Service will post updates on www.courts.ie and will notify all parties when the rescheduled court dates are available.