Judges at Dublin District Family Court had raised concerns about security before the assault on a judge last week.
Garda authorities, who have responsibility for security in courthouses, were made aware of judges' concerns before Judge Miriam Walsh was assaulted during a domestic- violence application at Dolphin House, in Temple Bar, on Friday.
The courts building, which has five courtrooms, does not have scanning equipment at its entrance. And the family- friendly layout of the courts means the witness box is separated from the judge’s desk by only a low metal barrier.
Witnesses sit on the same level as registrars at the court, and staff had also raised concerns about safety, both in the courtroom and in other areas of Dolphin House.
There are between two and three gardaí on duty to provide security for the entire building, which has five storeys, including a busy waiting area where tensions have resulted in violence in the past.
The courts’ security measures include panic alarms and CCTV outside courtrooms and in the waiting area.
A source said it was feared Friday’s assault would be treated as “a one-off event”, and security would not be improved.
Judge Walsh was hospitalised after the attack, and was released later on Friday. She remained on leave yesterday and Judge Brian Sheridan was drafted in to replace her.
Judge Sheridan, along with Judge James Faughnan and Judge Gerard Furlong, dealt with any domestic violence applications before the courts yesterday.
A review of security is under way following the assault and the Courts Service and gardaí are in discussions.
A spokesman for the Courts Service said security in courthouses across the country was constantly under review.
