The trial of five men charged with the murder of crime figure Kieran Keane that was due to begin in Limerick last month will start in Dublin today.
The trial was moved to the Central Criminal Court following unsuccessful attempts to select a jury in Limerick.
After three days of difficulties in selecting 12 jurors, Mr Justice Butler referred to the "exceptional circumstances of a case involving five accused men from a community with a relatively small population".
Mr Justice Butler said it was likely that if they tried to select a new panel of jurors in Limerick the same problems would arise. "It is my view in the light of our experience with the present panel that there is no reason why similar difficulties would not be incurred with the next panel."
A total of 170 jurors were due to appear at the Central Criminal Court on Tuesday for the opening of the murder trial, but fewer than 100 turned up.
It is understood that a number of medical certificates had been submitted.
After three days, the trial was left with a panel of just 10 jurors when a number of those who attended asked to be excused.
Mr Justice Butler discharged the 10 and ruled that the trial be moved to the Central Criminal Court, sitting in Dublin today.