Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

'Almost all' of the RTÉ story Denis O'Brien tried to block is now out. Here it is...

All but two paragraphs from the script can now be published, says the High Court.

Updated 2pm 

RTÉ HAS PUBLISHED ‘almost all’ of the story it had prepared about Denis O’Brien after the High Court agreed that most of the information is in the public domain.

The news report was originally scheduled to be broadcast on 1 May but was blocked after the businessman secured an injunction.

Now, after Justice Donald Binchy agreed to vary the order because of  “dramatic” recent events, the broadcaster has published most of the information on its website.

The story says that the billionaire told the liquidator of IBRC that he had received ‘verbal confirmation’ from former CEO Mike Aynsley of an extension of his €320 million loans.

The story now publishes contents from a letter written from O’Brien to liquidator Kieran Wallace in which he said the extension amounted to a year on the three-year loan.

The story, prepared by business editor David Murphy, also alleges that IBRC believed that “its situation had been weakened” by O’Brien’s claim of a verbal agreement.

It also says that there was “protracted correspondence” between the bank and O’Brien.

It adds that documents seen by the broadcaster did not show how the issue was resolved.

Last week, the High Court refused to completely lift the injunction order.

It had been argued by RTÉ it was made inconsequential by a number of developments including speeches in the Dáil by TDs Catherine Murphy and Pearse Doherty.

Lawyers for O’Brien, RTÉ and IBRC have since been arguing over which parts of the RTÉ script should remain covered by the injunction.

O’Brien had no longer opposed the publication of information that had come into the public domain.

Now, it has been decided by the High Court that all but two paragraphs of the RTÉ report can be published.

Lawyers for IBRC argued that legal advice given to the bank about its relationship with the businessman should remain confidential.

Read: Why it’s pretty unlikely Denis O’Brien will face the banking inquiry >

Read: Denis O’Brien is taking legal action over Dáil comments about his finances >

Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...
A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

Close
87 Comments
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute John Joseph Barry
    Favourite John Joseph Barry
    Report
    Feb 7th 2022, 2:53 PM

    I see what Friends of the Irish Environment (FIE) are about. But in reality 90% of people visiting the island don’t walk more than 1km from the cable car. For walkers there is a nice 10km walk on the ridge to the watch tower and then came back via the road.

    88
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Gareth Murran
    Favourite Gareth Murran
    Report
    Feb 7th 2022, 8:27 PM

    @John Joseph Barry: I agree 100-percent. Even with twice the foot traffic the island will be fine. The numbers wanting to use it will decrease now that international travel is back. Is and the hill behind are some of the finest walks in the country with views of Bull Rock etc.

    11
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Murph11
    Favourite Murph11
    Report
    Feb 7th 2022, 2:55 PM

    I hear talks are down to the wire.
    Ok I’ll get my coat

    72
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Gerrard
    Favourite Gerrard
    Report
    Feb 7th 2022, 7:28 PM

    Judicial review for everything in this country just get it done

    30
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Tony Gordon
    Favourite Tony Gordon
    Report
    Feb 7th 2022, 5:34 PM

    Cable car looks like something from craggy island.

    29
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Conor Flood
    Favourite Conor Flood
    Report
    Feb 7th 2022, 7:46 PM

    @Tony Gordon: its a hair raising experience Ted

    6
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Conor Flood
    Favourite Conor Flood
    Report
    Feb 7th 2022, 5:30 PM

    Something needs to be done and soon . Protect the sensitive areas and make it an enjoyable tourist experience. Good for all involved and the local economy. The mind numbing wait in a queue on the island side with nothing to do can be up to two hours .

    16
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Observer
    Favourite Observer
    Report
    Feb 7th 2022, 3:22 PM

    Like a bird on a wire

    16
Submit a report
Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
Thank you for the feedback
Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.
JournalTv
News in 60 seconds