Tribunal to seek orders which could force Lawlor to sell home

A High Court judge's decision has cleared the way for the planning tribunal to take legal proceedings which could lead to the sale of former Dublin West TD Mr Liam Lawlor's home and lands in Lucan, Co Dublin, to satisfy debts of some €575,000 in legal costs due to the tribunal.

The tribunal is seeking "well-charging" orders against Mr Lawlor's family home and lands at Somerton, Finstown, Lucan, which is valued at nearly €4 million, to satisfy judgments of more than €575,000 secured by it in relation to legal costs incurred in court proceedings against Mr Lawlor. In separate High Court proceedings, Mr Lawlor was directed last November by Mr Justice Kearns to pay within three months €275,000 to a solicitor, Mr Dermot P. Coyne, who had represented the former deputy in legal proceedings.

On February 10th, 2003, Mr Coyne had obtained judgment for €275,000 which was then registered against the Lawlor home at Somerton. In November last, Mr Justice Kearns declared the judgment mortgage was well charged on Mr Lawlor's interest. He further ordered that if the sum was not paid within three months, ancillary orders sought, which included the sale of the property to satisfy the debt, would also be granted. Mr Coyne had acted for Mr Lawlor throughout 2002/03.

Ms Sara Moorehead, for the tribunal, applied to Mr Justice Kearns for orders permitting the current members of the tribunal - Judge Alan Mahon, Judge Mary Faherty and Judge Gerald Keyes - to pursue proceedings initially brought by the former tribunal chairman, Mr Justice Flood, against Mr Lawlor.

Mr Justice Kearns said he would make orders substituting the names of the three tribunal members for Mr Justice Flood.