Action over Dublin property is settled

A HIGH COURT action over an alleged agreement by the owners of the Opium Bar and Restuarant on Dublin’s Wexford Street to buy a next-door property has been settled.

Trebleside Designated Activity Company, which owns the Opium Bar, had brought proceedings against John Hallinan, Geraldine Hallinan, Claire Cullen and TFF Food Limited over an alleged failure by the defendants to complete a deal entered into in March.

Trebleside, which is part of the Mercantile Group of bar/ restaurants and represented by Gary McCarthy SC, claimed it entered into an agreement with the Hallinans that would see it acquire a neighbouring property they own at 38 and 38a Camden Row, Dublin, in a €1m-plus deal.

Ms Cullen, of Ferndale House Convent Road, Delgany, Co Wicklow, and TFF Food Ltd are the occupiers and leasehold owners of the ground floor of 38 Camden Row, from which a coffee shop known as the Fat Fox operates.

In its action, Trebleside had claimed the defendants had reneged on that agreement and, as a result, Trebleside sought an order seeking the specific performance of the agreement it claimed the Hallinan’s entered into on March 27 last.

However, following settlement talks, Mr McCarthy told Mr Justice Brian McGovern SC that the case had been settled.

The court heard that it had been agreed between the parties that the Hallinans will receive €1.1m for the adjoining property and TFF Food will receive €100,000.

The defendants had also agreed to compromise all issues, planning matters and legal proceedings between them concerning the running and operation of Opium and Whelan’s Bar, which is also part of the Mercantile Group.