CRO warning for 1,800 firms

The public relations company, Fleishman-Hillard Saunders, and Kilkenny City FC Ltd, the company which runs the football team, are among more than 1,800 companies in the latest strike-off list published by the Companies Registration Office (CRO).

Companies named in the list have one month to file all outstanding annual returns or face being struck off the Companies Register. The names have already been published in Iris Oifigiuil.

Other names contained in the list include: O'Hagan Design Ltd, of 100 Capel Street, Dublin; Leisurecorp International Ltd, formerly Quasar Ltd; and Merlin Films Productions Ltd, a company associated with film-maker Mr John Boorman.

Also listed is UCD O'Reilly Hall Ltd, the company which runs the hall in UCD used for graduation ceremonies and other events. The company has filed its returns since the list was compiled, according to a spokesman.

Since April, the CRO has published nine strike-off lists, each containing the names of 2,000 or more companies in danger of being struck off for failing to comply with their obligations.

Brandon Hotel Ltd, a company part-owned by property developer Mr John Byrne, and Rennicks Sign Manufacturing, part of the Fitzwilton group, both of which were mentioned in the first list in April, have since filed their returns.

Publication of strike-off lists followed the introduction of new regulations obliging companies to file returns within a year rather than two years as had previously been the case. Some companies listed may already have filed their returns. A spokesman for Fleishman-Hillard Saunders said its returns have since been filed.

In April, the CRO placed advertisements in Sunday newspapers, warning: "Directors should make themselves fully aware of the legal and financial consequences of the strike-off process, which could have serious ramifications for the assets of the company and for their own personal liabilities."

On Monday, the CRO made a successful application in the High Court for an order against Celtic Helicopters Ltd, obliging it to file annual returns for the years 1998 and 1999 by August 31st. The helicopter firm was included on a strike-off list published in June.

Celtic Helicopters, whose directors are Mr Ciaran Haughey and Mr John Barnicle, is the subject of a number of inquiries, including one by an authorised officer appointed by the Tanaiste, Ms Harney. The CRO decided it would be inappropriate to proceed with the strike-off process while the officer's inquiry is ongoing.

Copies of the strike-off lists are available on the CRO website at www.cro.ie