THE CRIMINAL Assets Bureau has secured High Court orders allowing it to seize approximately €146,000 from a Co Sligo family after finding that the money represents the proceeds of crime.
Mr Justice Kevin Feeney made the orders against members of the Irwin family, originally from St Joseph’s Terrace, Sligo, including brothers Patrick Irwin (29), who is serving a seven-year prison sentence for drugs offences, and Hughie Irwin (34), believed to be living outside the State. The Cab alleges that the brothers are prominent members of a criminal gang operating in the northwest.
The bureau also secured orders relating to cash in accounts held in the names of their sisters, Catherine and Michelle Irwin.
The orders were made after the court declared the money represented the proceeds of crime. Mr Justice Feeney also made orders directing the money be paid in favour of the Minister for Public Expenditure and the Revenue Commissioners.
The court heard that all of the parties involved had either withdrawn any claim to the various assets or had consented to the orders being made.
The Cab previously secured orders freezing several assets and various bank accounts held by the Irwins. The assets included cash totalling €106,000 held in several bank accounts, a Ford Transit van operating as an ice cream van, a pleasure boat and a Toyota 4X4.
The Cab’s chief legal officer, Frank Cassidy, was appointed receiver over the assets and has sold the vehicles for €50,000.
A separate action where the Cab is seeking possession of a house in Dromahair, Co Leitrim, allegedly jointly owned by Patrick Irwin and his girlfriend, Avril Boland, was adjourned to February.
The Cab claims the property was paid for with proceeds of crime and is seeking orders for possession but Ms Boland is contesting the application.
That matter was due to proceed yesterday but Ms Boland sought an adjournment to instruct a new legal team.
Seán Gillane SC, for the Cab, said it was “very anxious” to bring the matter to a conclusion. Mr Justice Feeney said that while he would grant the adjournment, he intended to “bring the matter to a head”.