The High Court has refused to surrender a Limerick man to Greek authorities, where he is wanted on human trafficking charges, after his lawyers objected to extradition on the basis of conditions in the Greek prison system. Jeremiah O'Brien is alleged to have facilitated the smuggling of 66 Middle Eastern people to Italy by speedboat. His lawyers argued that overcrowding in Greek prisons, with one prison at 164% capacity, was a concern. The court heard that the boat used was for pleasure purposes and had no life jackets, putting the occupants in danger. Mr Justice Seán Gillane agreed to send a letter to the Greek authorities to address the concerns about prison conditions. He ruled that the extradition should be refused, citing the conditions in Greek prisons as a reason.
The High Court adjourned a dispute between Muhammad Amjad and Imtiaz Khan, principal of IMK Law and IMK Property Investment Ltd, to October. Mr Justice O'Connell accepted an undertaking by Mr Cormack SC for non-contact between any party, family member, or associate, either directly or indirectly. The hearing addressed concerns raised by the plaintiff regarding a WhatsApp message sent by consultant Kamal Shah, who stated the contact was personal and unrelated to the case. The court also noted that IMK Law removed photographs from its website due to adverse publicity. Mr Amjad alleged an unlawful eviction, claiming Mr Khan arrived at the property in a threatening manner with eight individuals and a hammer. Mr Khan denied these allegations, stating he attended for a peaceful handover following a lease termination notice and that the property required extensive repairs. The parties had settled the dispute last week, but the matter returned to court due to concerns over potential interference. The judge accepted the non-contact undertaking and adjourned the proceedings.
The High Court has rejected arguments against the extradition of Jonathan Gill to Northern Ireland to face a murder charge related to the killing of Robbie Lawlor. Mr Justice Patrick McGrath did not issue an extradition order but remanded Gill in custody until July 29. Gill is accused of participating in a joint enterprise to murder Lawlor in 2020 as part of a gang feud. His lawyers argued that the UK courts would not provide the same protections as the Court of Justice of the European Union regarding evidence from the Encrochat system. However, the judge said the UK legal system would ensure a fair trial. Gill remains in custody, having previously been denied bail. The court will consider the extradition order after Gill and his legal team have time to review the judgment.
The High Court is seeking further information from Greek authorities before ruling on the extradition of a Limerick man wanted on a human trafficking charge, after hearing that jails there are effectively 'being run by the prisoners' due to overcrowding. Barristers for Jeremiah O'Brien (56), who is alleged to have attempted to facilitate the smuggling of 66 Middle Eastern people to Italy by speedboat, told the High Court that overcrowding in one Greek prison had been recorded at 164%. Lawyers for the State said that any issues raised about the levels of overcrowding and violence Mr O'Brien could experience if he is surrendered needed to be addressed by the Greek state. It is alleged that Mr O'Brien and two other named persons acted jointly on November 22nd, 2017, to facilitate the transportation of 66 people, without life jackets, from an unknown desert place near Nafplio, Greece, towards Italy. The boat stranded on a rocky shore near Gyalia beach close to Gerolimenas, Greece.
A man charged with an alleged terrorist plot to destroy a Galway mosque has claimed he cannot get a fair trial due to the wording of the Explosives Act. The High Court has reserved its judgment in the case brought by 39-year-old Karolis Peckauskas of Newfoundwell Road, Drogheda, Co Louth. Mr Peckauskas is charged with possession of an explosive substance – four threaded pipe end caps and six litres of hydrogen peroxide – under such circumstances as to give rise to a reasonable suspicion that he did not have it in his possession for a lawful object at O'Moore Place, Portlaoise, Co Laois on November 4 last year. Mr Peckauskas has not entered a plea in relation to the charge and a stay has been imposed on his prosecution until the resolution of his High Court challenge. Papers lodged by Mr Peckauskas' legal team claim that the wording of Section 4 of the Explosives Act places an "impermissible burden" on the applicant.
In a High Court hearing, Mr Justice Peter Charleton ordered South African horse owner Nigel Riley to pay €218,000 in outstanding fees to Linley Investment Limited, trading as Coolmore Castlehyde and Associated Stud Farms, and Coolagown Bloodstock Ltd. The court awarded €148,000 to Coolagown and €70,000 to Coolmore for the care and stud fees owed for mares kept since 2018. The judge rejected Riley's defence, describing it as uninformative and obstructive, and found that David Stack acted as Riley's agent in arranging the care and coverage of the mares. Although Riley claimed a verbal agreement existed for free care with shared profits, the court accepted Stack's evidence of a contractual arrangement, noting invoices sent to South Africa in 2018 and 2019. The judge characterized Riley's denial of the agency relationship as surprising and noted that Stack's evidence was calm and trustworthy. Riley has indicated his intention to appeal the judgments. The matter was decided at the hearing stage, with the court issuing final monetary awards against the applicant.
The Workplace Relations Commission heard Michael Ehigiato was rostered for long hours by BGS Security Ltd but received €2,000 cash-in-hand during about three months of work. His union representative alleged systematic wage theft and racial discrimination; the company is in liquidation.
A former garda, John Bowe, has sought damages from a civil court jury after being struck on the head with a baton by Det Supt Rory Sheriff during a high-speed chase in Wexford in 2014. Bowe was arrested following the incident and later convicted of dangerous driving. He claims that the use of force by Sheriff was excessive and that he suffered injuries leading to a diagnosis of functional neurological disorder. His legal representative, Mark Harty SC, argued that Bowe was being unfairly portrayed as a liar and that the defence was attempting to gaslight the jury. On the other hand, Det Supt Sheriff's legal team, led by Richard Lyons SC, defended the use of force, stating that Bowe's actions were extremely dangerous and that no one was harmed due to the detective's intervention. The court is considering whether Sheriff used reasonable force during the arrest. If not, the jury must determine the award of damages and potential loss of earnings for Bowe.
The High Court has refused the State's application for leave to appeal a decision declining to extradite a convicted sex offender to Northern Ireland. Mr Justice Patrick McGrath ruled that the case was exceptional, finding it would be disproportionate to order the surrender of Paul Lomas, aged 41, with an address in County Donegal, given the age of the matters in question and the type of sentence involved. The Northern Irish authorities sought Lomas's surrender for six offences dating back approximately 15 years, including five conviction matters and one charge of driving whilst disqualified from January 2011. The convictions stemmed from assaults on police officers and breaches of a Risk of an Interim Sexual Harm Order imposed following a 2009 conviction. Mr Justice McGrath noted that Lomas had served his custodial sentence for the serious offences and subsequently developed family connections in the State. The judge concluded the case had reached the threshold where refusal of surrender was warranted. The unnamed respondent pleaded guilty.
A mother has reached a resolution in her case against Tusla, The Child and Family Agency, regarding her newborn son who became unwell after being taken into State care. The High Court ruled that the mother will be allowed to express milk under supervision on certain mornings and breastfeed the child in the afternoons. While her legal representatives expressed dissatisfaction with the terms, they indicated they might be acceptable. The mother, who cannot be named by court order, claims that the child met all his developmental markers for the first two weeks after birth while she was breastfeeding him in hospital. She stated that the child was removed due to her mental health issues and that her GP prescribed Xanax and Quetiapine, which she claimed were safe for breastfeeding. The child then rejected formula milk, failed to meet weight markers, vomited frequently, and was prescribed Gaviscon, sometimes up to six times a day.
The High Court has ordered the surrender of James Meehan to Northern Ireland. Mr Justice Paul McDermott ruled there was no basis to refuse the extradition, which was sought under the Trade and Co-operation Agreement. Meehan, 56, was arrested by gardai in August following warrants issued after he failed to return to Magilligan prison in Derry while on day release in December 2024. He was sentenced in 2009 to life imprisonment, with a minimum of 14 years to be served, for the murder of Jim McFadden in May 2007. A second warrant seeks to prosecute him in Northern Ireland for being unlawfully at large, an offence carrying a potential sentence of up to two years. Meehan will remain on bail while arrangements are made for his surrender. Defence counsel Brian Storan BL had requested a delay to allow authorities to consider transferring his sentence to the Republic, noting Meehan's 2017 application was withdrawn by Northern Ireland authorities in 2022. However, the judge rejected the argument that Meehan could unilaterally initiate a transfer. Meehan, who previously had addresses in Derry City and Headfort Grove, Kells, Co Meath, was previously extradited to Northern Ireland less than two years ago after being described as unlawfully at large.
James Meehan, 56, a convicted murderer sentenced to life with a 14‑year minimum for the 2007 murder of Jim McFadden, fled from Magilligan prison in Derry during a day‑release in December 2024 and was arrested by Gardaí in August 2025 on extradition warrants issued under the Trade and Co‑operation Agreement. He had previously been extradited to Northern Ireland after being described as unlawfully at large. In 2017 he applied to transfer his life sentence from the North to the Republic, a request he reiterated in court. Defence counsel Brian Storan argued that Meehan's temporary release was granted by both Irish and Northern Irish authorities and that he sought a stay on the surrender to allow authorities to consider his transfer application. Judge Paul McDermott adjourned the case to 14 November to allow the defence to present evidence of correspondence regarding the transfer request.
James Meehan, a convicted murderer, appeared in the High Court where Ms Justice Caroline Biggs set October 23 for an extradition hearing. Meehan, 55, was arrested by gardai earlier this month under extradition warrants issued under the Trade and Co-operation Agreement after allegedly failing to return to Magilligan prison in Derry during day release in December 2024. He was sentenced in 2009 to life imprisonment, with a minimum of 14 years to be served, for the murder of Jim McFadden in May 2007. Meehan, who previously had addresses in Derry City and Headfort Grove, Kells, Co Meath, is alleged to have gone on the run for the second time in three years. In December 2023, the High Court found clear evidence that the terms of his release had been breached and ordered his surrender to Northern Ireland. Counsel for the State indicated that two matters regarding Meehan could be dealt with in approximately one hour each, potentially allowing the case to be heard in one day. Ms Justice Biggs ordered that all submissions be provided by the respondent one week prior to the hearing date. She further ruled that Meehan will be remanded on continued bail until October 23. The matter was adjourned to that date for the extradition proceedings.
The High Court ordered the extradition of former priest Oliver O'Grady, aged 80, to Portugal to serve a one‑year prison sentence for possession of more than 9,000 images and 29 videos of child sexual abuse. O'Grady was arrested on 21 January 2025 under a European Arrest Warrant issued by a Faro court, which had convicted him in absentia on 7 May 2024 for possession of "pornography of minors." He contested the extradition, claiming his fair‑trial rights were not protected, that he could not contact a lawyer, and that he faced a risk of inhuman or degrading treatment in Portuguese prisons. The judge found his claims to be disingenuous and self‑serving, noting that O'Grady had tried to control proceedings and had failed to attend his trial. The judge also rejected concerns about prison conditions, stating assurances from Portuguese authorities that no such risk existed.
The High Court ruled that three houses linked to Kieran Keane Jr., son of the slain Limerick gangster Kieran Keane Sr., were proceeds of crime, as were three cars and €101,000 in an AIB account. The court accepted Garda evidence that Keane Jr. was a "driving force" in organised crime. Receivers were appointed to two of the three houses, the cars and the bank account. The properties and account were allegedly used by Keane Jr., believed to be in Dubai or Spain, and his girlfriend Laura Flanagan, who lived in Garryowen, Limerick. CAB forensic analysis showed trips to Lithuania, Spain, Dubai and Lapland between 2010 and 2019, and no clear source of income for Keane Jr. and Flanagan. The judge noted that the properties were acquired in cash under the table and that the AIB account lacked regular expenditure records.
In a High Court hearing on 4 June 2025, David Wachman, son‑in‑law of John Magnier, denied that Coolmore used a "ruse" by employing third parties to bid on a 751‑acre Tipperary farm before allegedly "low‑balling" the sellers with a €10 million offer. Wachman said it was "common practice" to start bids below a vendor's valuation to control expectations. He explained that Coolmore had an exclusivity agreement from 31 August to 30 September 2023, during which the Barne Estate could not solicit offers from anyone other than Coolmore. The estate, held by a Jersey trust for Richard Thomson‑Moore, rejected the alleged deal and sold the land to US construction magnate Maurice Regan for €22.25 million. Regan is not a party to the case. The hearing continues before Mr Justice Max Barrett.
The High Court refused a 31‑year‑old Georgian man's request to challenge the International Protection Office's refusal to grant him asylum. He had claimed that if returned to Georgia he would face religious persecution as a Jehovah's Witness. The IPO found his knowledge of the faith lacking, citing incorrect answers about baptism, the archangel Michael, the 144,000, and other doctrinal points. The IPO also deemed his claims of threat and assault unsubstantiated. He appealed to the International Protection Appeals Tribunal, which rejected his appeal, citing his substantial lack of knowledge and lack of explanation for it. He then sought judicial review, arguing the Tribunal had erred in its interpretation of the religion and had omitted relevant material. Justice Siobhán Phelan dismissed the application, describing the complaints as trivial and tenuous and refusing leave to pursue the challenge. The case remains at the High Court level with no further action granted.
In a High Court hearing on 20 March 2025, Web Summit founder Paddy Cosgrave is accused of heavily editing a 2021 call recording with former director David Kelly and distributing it to staff to damage Kelly. The recording, played in court, shows Kelly calling Cosgrave a "scumbag" and accusing him of "making shit up." Cosgrave is suing Kelly for breach of director duties, while Kelly and Daire Hickey sue Cosgrave for minority shareholder oppression and breach of a profit‑sharing agreement. Both parties deny the allegations. The case, described as a "bitter" multi‑million‑euro dispute, is listed for nine weeks before Mr Justice Michael Twomey. No judgment has been issued, and the proceedings remain at the hearing stage.
The High Court has granted a second stay on Workplace Relations Commission proceedings within a fortnight, following an application by Vincent Maughan of Crossmolina, County Mayo. Mr Maughan, a former retained firefighter with Mayo County Council, claims he was prejudiced by the adjudicating officer and that she should have recused herself from the case. Permission for judicial review was granted, and Mr Justice Micheál P O'Higgins issued an injunction pausing the WRC hearing scheduled for today. Mr Maughan contends that the adjudication officer violated fair procedures requirements, breached public justice principles by conducting remote hearings without public accessibility, and refused recusal without allowing proper legal representation. He seeks declarations that the respondent acted unlawfully and that he is entitled to professional recording and transcription of proceedings. The case has been adjourned to April. Mr Maughan resigned from his position on 6 April 2023 and subsequently lodged complaints to the WRC regarding alleged breach of his statutory employment rights.
In a High Court decision on 5 March 2025, Bank of Ireland was ordered to pay a €350,000 settlement to a woman and her partner after the bank's data was allegedly released to the woman's estranged father. The father used the confidential transaction data to locate the couple abroad and stalk them, causing psychological trauma. The woman claimed a breach of duty, privacy and confidence, while the bank denied any breach and made no admission of how the data reached the father. The settlement, reached without admission of liability, allocates €275,000 to the woman and €75,000 to her partner. The court also awarded the plaintiffs costs up to 9 October 2023, and noted that cases against the father and his firm could be struck out without costs. The settlement reflects the bank's acknowledgment of falling short of expected standards.
The High Court has ordered a halt to Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) hearings in a case brought by Bridget Casey-Mulligan, a senior civilian manager at Garda headquarters. Mr Justice Garrett Simons granted an interim injunction after finding grounds to suggest WRC adjudication officer Máire Mulcahy exceeded her jurisdiction by imposing reporting restrictions. Ms Casey-Mulligan, who alleged whistleblower penalisation and unlawful salary deduction, sought judicial review regarding these restrictions and a separate challenge concerning the adjudicator taking external advice during a recess. Justice Simons expressed concern that the adjudicator purported to impose her own reporting limits, citing Supreme Court precedent on the publicity of adjudication proceedings. He granted leave for the judicial review into the adjudicator's conduct and the press direction. However, he refused an application to restrict reporting on Ms Casey-Mulligan's medical situation, noting the irony of a party seeking anonymity while challenging others' naming, though he allowed the application to be renewed later. The matter was adjourned pending the High Court's consideration of the legal challenge to the WRC's procedural directions. The application was brought ex-parte against the adjudicator, with the Government, the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, and the Garda Commissioner identified as notice parties.
The High Court has placed a stay on the extradition of a 66-year-old man from Arva, Co Cavan, who is wanted in Northern Ireland for the murder of a part-time Ulster Defence Regiment member in 1979. James Donegan faces charges relating to the death of Joseph James Porter at Mountnorris, Co Armagh, in June of that year. He is also charged with firearm and ammunition offences and membership of a proscribed organisation. Mr Justice Patrick McGrath had previously ordered Mr Donegan's surrender to UK authorities, but has now granted a stay to permit an appeal of the extradition decision. Mr Donegan was arrested at Dublin Airport in June following his return from holiday. He has maintained his innocence. The Northern Ireland authorities issued the extradition warrant following a post-mortem examination that established Mr Porter died of gunshot wounds.
The High Court ordered the extradition of Richard Curtin, 57, who confessed to setting a fire that killed his roommate 20 years after the offence. Curtin, who had been sentenced to ten years in prison in 2018 for manslaughter, had been released on licence and moved to Ireland. He argued that extradition would breach his rights under the European Convention and the European Charter on Fundamental Rights, claiming that returning to the UK would expose him to ill‑treatment and that preventing his move to Ireland violated his right to travel. Mr Justice Patrick McGrath rejected these arguments, stating that Curtin had not shown a generalised risk of ill‑treatment and that the restriction on his travel was a logical consequence of his licence release. The court postponed the surrender order to allow Curtin to serve the remainder of his sentence, which ends on 6 May.
The High Court on 20 February 2025 appointed provisional liquidators to New Look Retailers (Ireland) Limited, the Irish arm of the clothing retailer New Look, after the company was found to be heavily insolvent with debts of €17.7 million. The court heard that the Irish branch, which opened in 2003, employs 347 people across 26 stores, 32 of whom are full‑time, and that it had been losing money for the last four years. Mr Justice Brian Cregan was told that the UK parent company had withdrawn financial support and that the Irish branch had a liability of €15.6 million to New Look (UK) Ltd. Barrister John Lavelle explained that the company had sought an examiner in 2020, faced resistance from landlords, and eventually agreed to rent reductions for most stores. The court approved the appointment of Shane McCarthy and Cormac O'Connor of KPMG Ireland as provisional liquidators and adjourned the matter to the next month.
In a High Court hearing, a stay was granted on the conviction of a Dublin man, Jason Malone, who was sentenced to nine months' imprisonment for possession of cocaine and heroin in July 2022. Malone, aged 42, challenged the admissibility of forensic evidence presented by a Forensic Science Ireland employee, arguing that the certifying officer had no direct involvement in the analysis of the substances. His lawyers contended that the absence of "essential proofs" and the lack of the officer's first‑hand knowledge rendered the certificate inadmissible under the hearsay rule, thereby undermining the court's basis for conviction. The High Court, presided over by Ms Justice Mary Rose Gearty, described the case as "very interesting" and adjourned it for mention on March 11, following the grant of a stay on the conviction order. The case remains pending review of the legal issues raised by Malone's counsel.
The High Court, exercising its limited power, granted an injunction that pauses the enforcement of new regulations set to take effect on 1 February 2025. The regulations would have allowed state agents to seize or euthanise XL Bully dogs held by animal welfare organisations. Mr Justice John Jordan noted that the regulations lack a review mechanism for a dog warden's assessment of the breed before euthanasia. He refused a second injunction that would have barred shelters from re‑homing the dogs. The stay remains until 27 February, when a substantive hearing on the broader Control of Dogs 2024 regulations will be held. The case was brought by barristers Sunniva McDonagh SC and Mariana Verdes BL on behalf of several charities, including My Lovely Horse Rescue and Clare Animal Welfare. The injunction reflects concerns about public safety amid recent dog attacks. The judge emphasised that the stay allows dogs to remain alive while the legal dispute is resolved.
A 66-year-old man from Arva, County Cavan, has been ordered by the High Court to be extradited to Northern Ireland to face murder charges. James Donegan is wanted in connection with the death of Joseph James Porter, a part-time Ulster Defence Regiment member, at Mountnorris, County Armagh, between June 22 and 25, 1979. Mr Porter's body was discovered near his farm entrance on June 24, 1979, with a post-mortem examination revealing fatal gunshot wounds. Mr Donegan is also charged with firearms offences and membership of a proscribed organisation. He was arrested at Dublin Airport in June 2024. Mr Justice Patrick McGrath rejected arguments from Mr Donegan's legal team regarding abuse of process and the fairness of trial proceedings following the significant passage of time. The judge found no evidence suggesting he would not receive fair treatment in the prosecuting jurisdiction. The court adjourned proceedings to February 7 pending surrender.
In a High Court decision on 17 January 2025, James Thomas Maher, a motorcyclist, was awarded €122,000 in reduced damages for a collision at a Co Kerry junction that left him with complete amnesia. The collision, which occurred on 1 August 2017 between Maher's Suzuki Bandit and a Ford Transit van driven by Keith Moriarty, was deemed to have been caused by equal fault. The judge found that while Moriarty was likely cutting the corner, Maher also contributed by failing to stop at the junction's stop sign. The court awarded general damages of €232,500, reduced by 50% for contributory negligence, and special damages of €11,823, totaling €122,000. The van's owner, Patrick Moriarty, was awarded costs for a counterclaim. The decision was based on evidence of both parties' negligence and the resulting injuries to Maher, including head injury, amnesia, wrist fractures, and soft‑tissue damage. The judgment was delivered by Mr Justice Liam Kennedy.
In the High Court, Mr Justice Alexander Owens addressed post-trial applications in the civil case involving defendant Conor McGregor and applicant Nikita Hand. Following a jury finding that Mr McGregor was liable for the assault of Ms Hand in December 2018, while co-accused James Lawrence was found not liable, the judge issued orders regarding trial materials and damages. Mr Justice Owens ordered Mr McGregor to destroy or return all case materials, including CCTV footage, to his solicitor, citing a real risk of dissemination. He warned Mr McGregor that he does not get another run at the case by throwing out allegations on social media or using surrogates. The judge refused to find Mr McGregor in contempt for his social media posts, stating it would be a distraction. Regarding financial obligations, the court ordered an interim payment of €100,000 in damages and €200,000 towards Ms Hand's costs, with the remainder stayed pending a potential appeal. The matter was adjourned to February 12.
In a civil trial, Conor McGregor was found liable for raping Nikita Hand in a Dublin hotel room. Mr Justice Alexander Owens ordered McGregor to pay legal costs exceeding €1 million, but made no cost order for co‑respondent James Lawrence, who was found not liable. Owens noted that the case was "the most peculiar and singular" he had seen, referring to Lawrence's claim of consensual sex with Hand, which Hand denied. He awarded "party‑party" costs to McGregor, rather than the higher "solicitor‑own client" costs sought by Hand's lawyers, and left costs for Hand's claims against Lawrence to be paid by each side. Owens adjourned the matter to 16 January to consider an application for a stay pending appeal, and said he would separately decide on McGregor's social‑media post about a "kangaroo court.".
In a High Court hearing, the court will decide whether Conor McGregor must pay the full costs of a civil rape claim brought by Nikita Hand, who alleges he "brutally" raped her in a Dublin hotel penthouse. Hand's counsel urged the court to award the highest level of costs, citing McGregor's alleged conduct before, during and after the trial, including his post‑trial social media posts and accusations that the court was a "kangaroo" court. McGregor's counsel argued that the costs should remain at the normal level, as he was the losing party, and that post‑trial posts should not be considered aggravating. The case also involves James Lawrence, who was found not to have assaulted Hand. The judge, Justice Owens, described the case as "the most peculiar" he had encountered and will rule on costs after 2 pm today.
In a High Court decision, Tusla and a foster carer secured an adoption order for a 17‑year‑old girl in foster care, overriding her birth parents' objections. The parents denied abandoning the child, noting ongoing supervised contact and regular visits, though the father said his access had been reduced when the girl entered secondary school. The judge, Ms Nuala Jackson, clarified that 'abandonment' in law refers to relinquishing parental rights, not merely physical absence. She cited a precedent where a mother's willingness to let another couple raise her child constituted abandonment of custody. The mother questioned the necessity of adoption as the girl was approaching majority and capable of managing her affairs. The judge emphasized that the adoption order would create a new family relationship supported by the state, and that the girl's expressed fear of the adoption not occurring was a key factor in favouring the order.
The High Court dismissed Maureen Kelly's appeal against the Residential Tenancies Board's order that she vacate her Dublin 4 home and pay €60,000 in rent arrears. The RTB had ruled that the landlord, Miracove Holdings Ltd, had validly terminated Kelly's tenancy in June 2021, with an end date of January 2022, and that the landlord intended to sell the property within nine months of termination. Kelly had argued that the RTB erred in finding sufficient evidence of a bona fide intention to sell, citing a lis pendens and the lack of direct knowledge from Miracove directors at the time of the notice. Mr Justice Conleth Bradley upheld the RTB's decision, stating that the evidence satisfied the statutory criteria for termination and that Miracove had decided not to market the property until it was secured and vacant possession had been established. The order requires Kelly to vacate within 42 days of the determination.
Allpro Security Services Ireland Ltd, a security provider with about 1,000 staff and indirect support for 250 jobs, secured an interim restraining order from Mr Justice Mark Sanfey to prevent Top Security Ltd from publicising a winding‑up petition it claims is malicious. Allpro, which supplied guards at the former Central Mental Hospital in Dundrum for asylum‑seeker accommodation, had engaged Top Security in June 2023 at €21 per hour. Disputes arose over clock‑in/out records, with Allpro alleging a €5,000 discrepancy and later a €154,000 claim from Top Security. Allpro stopped payments in January 2024, paid €123,000 in March, and contends the petition would cause unjustified reputational damage and stress to employees before Christmas. The court granted the injunction and adjourned the case to Thursday.
A man accused of assaulting a woman has been granted permission to challenge a decision by the Director of Public Prosecutions not to provide him with a statement the alleged victim made in a previously withdrawn complaint against him. The High Court heard that the man unsuccessfully sought disclosure of the statement before the District Court in April. He is also seeking a stay on proceedings, pending the outcome of his judicial review hearing. The man claims the District Court erred in denying his application for specific disclosure, relating to the previous withdrawn complaint made by the woman. The application arises from the prosecution of the man under Section 3 of the Non‑Fatal Offences Against the Person Act 1997 regarding an alleged incident on January 19, 2023. The woman alleges that he struck her with a piece of glass, grabbed her by the neck and punched her in the face.
In a High Court decision on 24 October 2024, a ruling against the security company Sablecross Limited (trading as Frontline Securities) in a case brought by Frank Reidy of Limerick was set aside. Reidy, who claims to be heavily involved in the GAA, alleged that after the 2018 All‑Ireland Hurling final at Croke Park he entered the pitch to collect jerseys and was suddenly assaulted by security and stewards. He says his arm was twisted behind his back and he was forcefully ejected. Reidy's action names the GAA, represented by Tom Ryan, and Sablecross. The court noted that the GAA had filed a full defence and the case was awaiting a hearing. The judge found that a miscommunication about correspondence had caused a default judgment against Sablecross and, in the interests of justice, set that judgment aside, while the proceedings against the GAA continued as normal.
The High Court has set a hearing date for a lead challenge, a "test case," concerning primary school placements for children with autism. Families have filed judicial review actions against the Minister for Education and the State, arguing that they have been unable to secure suitable school places despite contacting many schools. They claim this failure breaches the children's constitutional right to adequate education and fear regression if the children remain outside the school system. The judge, Ms Justice Niamh Hyland, deemed the matters urgent and scheduled the test case for mid‑November, with other related actions to be heard in October. The Minister's counsel noted that extra classes and places have been sanctioned, but enrolment decisions rest with schools. The applicant families' counsel highlighted that clients have sought places since March, received only generic responses, and remain unaware of details about the new places.
In a High Court ruling on 25 July 2024, Mr Justice Liam Kennedy ordered James Buckley and his wife Paula to pay Caroline Teltsch €800,000 in damages for alleged unjust enrichment. Teltsch, owner of the Emerald Equestrian Centre in Enfield, Co Kildare, claimed she advanced loans to the Buckleys between 2010 and 2018 for purposes such as refurbishing the centre, buying a Jaguar XKR, a Mitsubishi Evo, paying tax and Revenue bills, medical expenses, legal costs, a house deposit, and flights to New York for the couple's wedding. She said she never received any repayment and that the Buckleys used the money for personal and business expenses. Teltsch also sought declarations that land near the centre was held in trust for her and that she was entitled to a stallion named Louis. The Buckleys denied the claims but failed to comply with a court order to disclose documents, leading to their defence being struck out.
In a High Court order, X was directed to give live‑streaming service Vinivia AG and its executives Steffan Graff and Marcello Genovese details of the owners of four X accounts alleged to run a malicious smear campaign. The court found that the accounts had posted defamatory statements about the plaintiffs, including claims of fraud, financial misconduct, and criminal behaviour, and that the posts breached the plaintiffs' GDPR rights. The plaintiffs, represented by Peter Shanley BL, said the posts caused significant reputational damage and harmed the company's business prospects. They sought a Norwich Pharmacal Order to obtain the identities of the account holders. X's Ireland subsidiary, Twitter International Unlimited Company, agreed neither to object nor to consent to the disclosure orders, and the plaintiffs agreed to pay the respondent's legal costs. Mr Justice Mark Sanfey noted the speed of the proceedings.
The High Court appointed Nicholas O'Dwyer and John Boland of Grant Thornton as provisional liquidators for GNC Well Ireland Unlimited Company and THSD Unlimited Company, operators of 11 health‑food stores under the GNC brand. The companies, employing 86 staff, had been loss‑making for years, with sales falling 12% in 2021 and 5% in 2022, and faced rising costs such as business rates, wages, VAT on previously zero‑VAT items and import duties. Their parent, the US‑based GNC group, had provided intracompany loans but withdrew support after a strategic review that found the Irish operations unlikely to become profitable. The parent had also sought a buyer but could not complete a sale. The court said the liquidators would secure stock, liaise with potential buyers, and manage landlords and employees to maximise creditor returns. The case will return to the court later this month.
The High Court on 3 July 2024 appointed Tom Murray and Eoin Massey of Friel Stafford as joint provisional liquidators for Cube Logistics 3PL Limited, a freight logistics company employing over 30 people. The court found the company insolvent, unable to pay debts as they fall due, after a difficult 2023 trading year that saw losses of €610,000 despite a turnover of €5.38m. Cube had expanded by leasing two new warehouses, but new customers did not use them, and it lost key clients such as Hilti Ireland, Lloyd Fraser Holdings' UK parent, and PRL Ireland. The company owes €655,000 to Revenue for VAT, PAYE and PRSI and cannot meet a phased payment arrangement. It had attempted restructuring via SCARP and considered examinership, but the court deemed that option unviable. The liquidators will manage the company's affairs, including customer stock worth about €5m, and may continue trading, dismiss or retain staff.
The High Court released Enoch Burke from Mountjoy Prison on Friday afternoon, having been detained since September 2023 for contempt of court. Mr Justice Mark Sanfey granted his release despite Mr Burke's refusal to comply with a standing injunction prohibiting him from attending Wilson's Hospital School in County Westmeath. The judge noted that state examinations had concluded and the school was on holiday. Mr Justice Sanfey stressed that the injunction remains enforceable and warned of potential re-imprisonment should further breaches occur. The Co Mayo teacher has spent over 400 days incarcerated. On the same date, the court heard Mr Burke's bid to set aside an order made by Mr Justice Alexander Owens, which Mr Burke claims is unconstitutional. The teacher argues his constitutional rights regarding freedom of conscience and religious practice were disregarded in the original proceedings. The school's counsel disputed the application's jurisdiction and characterised it as an improper appeal. Mr Justice Sanfey reserved judgment on this preliminary matter and indicated a ruling within weeks.
The High Court dismissed separate challenges by Reddit and Tumblr against An Coimisiún na Meán's decision to list them as video‑sharing platforms under the new online safety code. Justice Siobhan Phelan refused to set aside the decision and rejected all arguments. Reddit, a U.S. company, claimed it did not meet the definition of a video‑sharing platform under the EU Audio Visual and Media Services directive and argued it was outside Irish jurisdiction. The court found no ambiguity in the regulator's interpretation and that sufficient material supported the designation. Tumblr argued its video content was minor and that the regulator had misinterpreted data on video volume. The judge held that the regulator properly applied the directive's criteria and that no error had been made in designating Tumblr as a video‑sharing platform. Both applications to refer the matter to the EU Court of Justice were dismissed.
The High Court has been asked by barrister Una McGurk SC to issue orders that would stop the Dáil and Seanad from voting on parts of the EU migration and asylum pact until a referendum is held. The application was presented to Mr Justice David Nolan on Wednesday. The pact includes measures such as enhanced screening, faster asylum processing, efficient returns for unsuccessful applicants, and a mechanism for financial contributions or relocation of asylum seekers. Ms McGurk seeks injunctions that would delay any vote in either house of the Oireachtas until a referendum determines the constitutionality of any ceding of sovereignty. The judge noted that the application had not been notified to the defendants in advance and said he would not make orders without hearing from the other sides. He was prepared, on an ex‑parte basis, to allow the applicant to serve short notice of the proceedings on the defendants.
In a High Court hearing on 17 June 2024, former solicitor John Tobin was formally discharged from bankruptcy after seven years of proceedings that began with a €405,000 judgment secured by Revenue in 2017. Tobin had been declared bankrupt in 2017 and was set for discharge in 2018, but the Official Assignee (OA) sought an extension in 2021, citing Tobin's alleged failure to fully cooperate with the OA regarding his assets. The OA obtained an interim extension order and also appealed the 2017 adjudication, but both the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court dismissed his appeals. The case was heard by Mr Justice Mark Sanfey, who was informed by Edward Farrelly SC that the parties had reached a settlement after extended out‑of‑court discussions. The settlement included Tobin making a financial contribution to his bankruptcy estate and providing additional documentation to the OA.
In a High Court decision on 6 June 2024, Mr Justice Micheal P O'Higgins reduced a two‑month suspension imposed on veterinary surgeon William McCartney to one month, finding the original sanction "unduly severe." The case arose after McCartney, owner of North Dublin Animal Hospital, operated on the left hind leg of a golden retriever named Alfie instead of the right leg as originally planned. He failed to inform the owner, who had come with her children, of the change and did not arrange a colleague to meet her or telephone her to explain the decision. The owner, believing the wrong leg had been operated on, was traumatised and later sought a second opinion. McCartney offered a goodwill gesture of no charge for the right‑leg surgery, which the owner declined. He had accepted responsibility for mistakes but denied professional misconduct.
The High Court appointed Dessie Morrow and Diarmuid Guthrie of Azets as provisional liquidators for Passage Healthcare International (Ireland) Limited, the operator of Lucan Lodge and Sally Park nursing homes. The judge confirmed the company was insolvent and unable to meet its debts. The firm's difficulties were largely attributed to the Covid‑19 pandemic, which lowered occupancy and raised costs. Passage had entered examinership hoping to secure a rescue plan, but the examiner failed to obtain the necessary investment, leading to the collapse of that process. Lucan Lodge is now run by the HSE, which is paying 92 staff members while arranging alternative care for residents. Sally Park ceased operations in February after HIQA raised fire‑safety concerns; the facility's registration was cancelled and over 40 employees were made redundant. The company's board resolved to wind up, and the liquidators will manage assets, creditors, and lease issues, with the HSE and Revenue supporting the appointment.
The High Court has ordered the arrest of Glen Oglesby for alleged contempt of court following his refusal to vacate an ESB substation in Dublin city centre. Mr Justice Mark Sanfey granted the order after the ESB, represented by John Punch SC, alleged that Oglesby had failed to comply with earlier orders to remove his caravan from the Gloucester Place Upper site. The ESB claims the property is unsafe for habitation, while Oglesby disputes this, stating he has nowhere else to go. Although Oglesby previously promised the court he would leave and arrange for the removal of his possessions, he allegedly placed a lock on the site gate, preventing ESB access. The judge found Oglesby in contempt of court and directed the Gardaí to arrest him, while expressing hope that the matter could be resolved without committal to prison. Separately, the ESB has brought trespass proceedings against Paul Oglesby, Glen's brother. However, Glen Oglesby told the court that Paul does not reside on the site, and the plaintiff did not seek an order for Paul's attachment. The case was heard at the hearing_or_decision stage.
The High Court dismissed a secondary school student's claim that the Leaving Certificate Mandarin Chinese marking scheme discriminates against those who use traditional Chinese characters. The student, a Taiwanese-born learner taught in traditional characters, alleged that exam markers would refuse to accept traditional characters and that the curriculum required simplified characters, thereby disadvantaging him. He also claimed the Minister for Education had unlawfully consulted with the Chinese Ministry of Education and that the Chinese Embassy was drawing up the curriculum. The court, presided over by Mr Justice Garrett Simons, rejected all allegations, stating the student failed to show the marking scheme breached the 1998 Education Act. The judge noted that traditional characters are not deemed incorrect, that the marking scheme allocates only 15‑20% of marks to written Mandarin, and that all candidates are assessed objectively against the same syllabus and marking scheme. The respondents denied any flaw or discrimination in the examination.
The High Court declared that Alan O'Neill and June Finnegan are the legal owners of a disputed garage in Portarlington, Co Laois. Mr Justice David Nolan made the declaration on Thursday with the consent of the parties, including Drumgoan Developments Limited, Noel Martin Senior, and Darren Martin. The declaration confirmed that the plaintiffs were not registered as owners due to a mistake and that Drumgoan did not own the property. The couple alleged that the defendants engaged in a 'land grab,' made payment demands, and damaged the garage. They also claimed Mr Martin Senior sent threatening communications and breached a previous injunction restraining him from contacting them. Mr Martin Senior was made the subject of contempt proceedings for alleged breaches of that order. He subsequently apologized to the court and agreed not to contact the plaintiffs. Counsel for the defendants confirmed consent to the declaration and stated there had been no further breach of the injunction. Mr Justice Nolan praised the legal teams for resolving this aspect of the case but noted that Mr Martin Senior was 'not out of the woods yet.' The judge adjourned the contempt proceedings against Mr Martin Senior to a date in June, stating he will rule on whether contempt occurred and any appropriate sanction when the matter returns. Other aspects of the action, including the couple's claims for damages, remain live before the court.