THE CONSTRUCTION of a private jetty on the banks of the river Liffey is causing a dispute with anglers, a court heard yesterday.
Judge Joseph Mathews was asked in the Circuit Civil Court to rule on the row between anglers and a developer alleged to have built the jetty behind two houses.
Dublin and District Salmon Anglers’ Association Ltd claim entrepreneur David Wright, of West Pier, Howth, Co Dublin, is disturbing the peace and calm of the river. Barrister David McParland said the association, of Wellington Park, Terenure, Dublin, believed Mr Wright, a member of the well-known Howth fish supply family, was trespassing.
He told the court the association had leased exclusive fishing rights from Dublin City Council of the tidal river between Hermitage Golf Club and Chapelizod, from the Rory O’Moore Bridge to The Weir at Island Bridge, Dublin.
The association stated in its claim Mr Wright was the owner of two semi-detached houses at Swan Lake, Chapelizod Road, Dublin.
It alleged that about May 2008 he constructed at the rear of his houses a double jetty. The association alleged two pontoons could be let out into the river and retrieved by rope. It claimed a boat was moored to one of the pontoons.
Mr McParland said the association, under its lease, was obliged to protect the fishery from trespass or poaching. It was seeking a court order restraining Mr Wright from continuing with trespass, and damages for trespass.
Edward Farrelly, for Mr Wright, told the court he would challenge the entitlement of Dublin City Council to have leased the river. In 2009 he had entered a defence to the claims. An adjournment was granted to allow the association call Dublin City Council witnesses. Judge Mathews said this could be dealt with as a preliminary issue before a full trial.