Computers will be brought into the Supreme Court for the first time on Monday for the hearing of an appeal regarding the Bula lead and zinc mine. The appeal could last a month.

Last year the High Court dismissed an action taken by businessmen Mr Michael Wymes of Navan and Mr Richard Wood of Cork, and Bula Ltd (in receivership) over the failure of the Bula mine to come into operation.

The action, which lasted 277 days before Mr Justice Lynch, was against Tara Mines Ltd, Tara's parent company, Outokumpu Oy and the Minister for Energy. The dispute began in the 1970s.

Next week's appeal against the High Court decision will see the court being computerised so that the three judges - the Chief Justice, Mr Justice Hamilton, Mr Justice Barrington and Mr Justice Keane - may have immediate access to the evidence given earlier in the lower court.

Over the weekend, workers will also install shelves at the back of the judges' bench, which will contain submissions and other documentation relevant to the case. The High Court judge had awarded costs running into millions of pounds against Mr Wymes, Mr Wood and Bula Ltd, in receivership.

All were represented in the High Court by barristers and solicitors.

For the Supreme Court appeal, it is understood that Mr Wymes and Mr Wood will argue their own cases personally.

An earlier court hearing was told that Bula Ltd in receivership would have legal representation.