The High Court has granted Dublin Port Company an interlocutory injunction against a floating blockade relating to a dispute involving Marine Terminals Limited.
Dublin Port Company, who were granted an interim injunction by Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy at the High Court last Thursday night, sought the order to stop what it claimed was the irresponsible and dangerous actions in the attempt to blockade the port's navigational channel.
Mr Justice Kevin Feeney was told at the High Court today by Lyndon McCann SC for the company that on consent the order, which was being complied with could be made interlocutory, until the full hearing of the matter. The case could be adjourned until then.
In its action Dublin Port Company said the actions which constituted dangerous illegal secondary picketing attempted to involve them and other port customers in a dispute which they are not party to."
Last Thursday 40 MTL staff and supporters continued their protests yesterday when, using five 5.2 metre boats, they attempted to block ships entering and leaving the port.
Sitpu said no ships entered the MTL berth, which can accommodate up to five vessels, during the protest, and that a Stena Line vessel was delayed for a time in the main channel because of the protest.
Meanwhile, unions and management at Marine Terminals Limited (MTL) met today at the Labour Relations Commission in a bid to resolve a dispute over job losses, and changes to pay and conditions.
The dispute between Siptu and the cargo handling company has entered its ninth week, with a series of protests and pickets held by workers during that time.
The union said the row centres on attempts by the company to impose mass compulsory redundancies as well as cuts in pay and conditions for staff.
The Dublin Port Workers Support Group, which held a picket outside the High Court today, has called on Dublin Port Company chief executive Enda Connellan to intervene in the dispute, and urged the company withdraw legal threats from members of the surrounding communities.