Temporary injunction granted over academy protests

This report is a localnews.ie summary based on public court reporting and records; sources are listed below.

The High Court granted a temporary injunction over protests blocking access to the Royal Irish Academy of Music. The proceedings were reported on 23 July 2020. The court heard that the demonstrations had put a €16 million redevelopment at Westland Row, Dublin 2, on hold.

Ms Justice Leonie Reynolds granted the injunction to the academy and Purcell Construction on an ex parte basis. It prevents protesters and anyone else with knowledge of the order from obstructing the entrance or intimidating people seeking to enter the premises.

Counsel Stephen Walsh said the protests had raised health and safety concerns. The judge acknowledged the right to peaceful protest but said she had to be mindful of the evidence of a health and safety risk. The matter was due back before the court the following week.