It is known that Justice Flood of the Tribunal wants two more judges to help him trawl through the planning quagmire of north Dublin. It is also known that judges are not falling over themselves to apply. As with barristers, for whom lengthy involvement can leave their practices in ruins, there are many reasons judges are scarce - the open-ended nature of the job, the difficulty of coming in half, or maybe only a quarter, way through and the fact that they would be working with the long-standing sole member.
Nonetheless, the Law Library seems certain that the honour of joining Justice Flood will go to Justice Freddie Morris, who retires in November as President of the High Court and Judge Peter Smithwick, President of the District Court. Another mentioned is former solicitor and now circuit court judge John Buckley. A senior counsel is also expected to join the team in case one of the trio has to vacate the Tribunal. They'll have their work cut out.