The Courts Service has extended its appointment-booking service for non-urgent matters to court offices in Carrick-On-Shannon, Castlebar, Longford, and Monaghan.

From 29 April, appointments can be scheduled in advance of attending the office for a range of services by visiting the appointments page of the Courts Service website.

The courts’ body says that the new system provides people with access to an online booking system 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to make appointments to visit the offices at a date and time that suits them.

Domestic-violence legislation

The measure is also aimed at reducing waiting times, as well as ensuring that the correct members of staff are available to deal with relevant services or queries.

An appointment is not needed to make an application under domestic-violence legislation; this remains a walk-in service.

The courts body adds that, for those without access to email or online services, the offices can still be contacted directly to make an appointment.