Gardaí oppose Jim Mansfield Jnr’s attempt to have driving licence restored

A judge has been told that gardaí are objecting to businessman Jim Mansfield Jnr’s legal attempt to get his driving licence restored.

The businessman,who has been previously put off the road, has brought an application to Dublin District Court to be allowed drive again.

It initially came before the court two weeks ago and resumed Friday when Garda George Thurlow told Judge Michael Coghlan that he would "have objections in relation to the matter".

Gda Thurlow said that on the last date the application was before the court he had not had an opportunity to contact the “driving licence authority”.

He since has and he furnished the court with an email which was then handed over to Mansfield’s lawyer who asked for a recess.

When the case resumed 15 minutes later, Mansfield’s solicitor said an issue has arisen and matters needed consideration. Judge Coghlan agreed to adjourn for two weeks.

Mansfield - a son of the late hotelier, businessman and airport owner Jim Mansfield Snr - was present but did not address the court.

Judge Coghlan also said that he was not “retaining seisin” of the case meaning it can be heard by whatever judge is presiding in the court when the case is next listed.