Seven new Circuit Court judges nominated

The Government has nominated six members of the Law Library and a sitting judge for appointment as judges of the Circuit Court.

Those nominated include District Court Judge Eugene O’Kelly, Mr Francis Comerford BL, Ms Karen Fergus SC, Ms Melanie Greally BL, Mr John Hannan BL, Ms Karen O’Connor BL, and Ms Elma Sheahan.

The judges are to be appointed by the President Michael D Higgins.

The vacancies on the Circuit Court arise from the retirement of the Hon Mr Justice Matthew Deery, the appointment of the Hon Mr Justice Alan Mahon to the Court of Appeal and the appointment of five serving Circuit Court Judges to the High Court on October 30th.

The Government previously agreed in principle to nominate the Hon Judge Margaret Heneghan for appointment by the President to the High Court, once a vacancy arises on that court with the retirement of Judge Daniel Herbert this month.

The Government this week also agreed in principle to nominate Mr Gerard O’Brien, solicitor, for appointment to the Circuit Court to fill the vacancy that will arise with Judge Heneghan’s appointment to the High Court.