Castlebar Town Council is seeking a balance outstanding for rates relating to the 2008 and 2009 period which is owed by Diorama Limited for the TF Royal Hotel and Theatre.
Rory O’Connor, who represented the managing director of Diorama Limited, Pat Jennings, said that his client under the Local Government Act 1946 sought rebate in rates for 2008 due to the fact that the old theatre was demolished and rebuilt, which meant that it was out of action for some seven months. Mr O’Connor also said that a fire occurred in the hotel in October 2008, which caused the closing of a food section and which resulted in a number of bedrooms being blocked off for some time due to smoke damage.
A meeting took place with Castlebar town clerk Marie Crowley in December 2008 to agree a figure. According to Ward McEllin, who represented the council, a figure was agreed on, however Mr O’Connor said that no agreement was made by his client.
Some money were paid by Diorama Ltd in 2009, however there is a balance outstanding as Mr Jennings is contesting that an agreement was reached.
Judge Mary Devins raised a number of questions which she would like clarified in relation to the valuation figures and also requested proofs of how such valuation figures were arrived at. The judge adjourned the matter for mention to May 5.
