Galway Bay fm newsroom - A civil engineering company has secured a temporary High Court injunction preventing security operatives from blockading the entrance of the firm’s Athenry-based headquarters.
Coffey Construction Limited secured the interim order yesterday against receiver David O'Connor of the firm BDO in respect of a blockade that began earlier this week at Moanbaun, Athenry.
The High Court heard that arising from a dispute over Coffey Construction's lease on the property, last Tuesday morning 15 security guards with two large white vans and dogs physically blocked vehicular access to Coffey Construction's HQ.
The court heard that the company fears that the blockade, which it says is unlawful, will be damaging and will possibly drive it to insolvency if allowed continue.
Counsel said it's Coffey’s case that it has a valid lease, for which it pays €100,000 per year, for the premises.
He said that the security guards on the blockade, who describe themselves as bailiffs did not carry any mandatory identification or licence numbers as required under the Private Security Services Act.
The matter has been reported to the Private Security Authority, counsel said.
Coffey Construction has 280 employees, 88 of whom are based in Athenry.
Counsel said the workers were eventually able to gain access to the premises.
However, they have to park over 2.5km away, which presents health and safety concerns to the employees, especially at this time of year.
Yesterday, Mr Justice Tony O'Connor granted orders including one restraining the defendants and his agents from restricting the company's access to the property at Moanbaun, Athenry.
Noting the evidence put before the court the judge said he was satisfied to grant the orders sought.
The case will return before the court next week.
