AN action taken by a businessman who alleged his oil distribution operation failed because a solicitor acting for him did not move quickly enough in registering the name of his company was dismissed in the High Court yesterday.

Mr John Fogarty had claimed that a rival firm went ahead of him and registered the same name. As a result, he lost his business.

Mr Fogarty, of Slademore Drive, Ard na Greine, Dublin, had taken an action against Mr John Plunkett and Mr Brian P. Kirwan, trading as John O. Plunkett and Co, Howth Road, Dublin.

Mr Fogarty's claim that the firm was negligent and in breach of contract when it acted for him five years ago was denied by the defendants.