Crosbie Transport firm must leave DPC docks site

Developer Harry Crosbie. Photo: David Conachy

Tim Healy

The High Court has given the Crosbie Transport firm until midnight on December 31 next to vacate a docklands premises which the Dublin Port Company says it needs now more than ever, with the prospect of a no-deal Brexit.

Mr Justice Denis McDonald, earlier this month, ruled the DPC was entitled to possession of property which had been leased to a haulage company of businessman Simon Crosbie, son of Harry Crosbie. The family's transport business has operated from the docklands since 1956.

The semi-state DPC claimed the Crosbie Automation Transport firm had been overholding on a lease for the Promenade Road property. The DPC said it required the property for wider redevelopment of the port for core import and export activity.

The court rejected a counterclaim by Automation that it was entitled to a new tenancy. Automation employs 19 and principally transports bulk materials from the port.

The case came back before Mr Justice McDonald on Friday for final orders including one relating to a date for the company to vacate.

Owen Hickey SC, for Automation, sought a six to 12-month stay on the possession order so his client could find new premises.

Declan McGrath SC, for DPC, said Automation had known since 2017 that his client required these premises and had been asked to deliver them up since February 2018 in accordance with the lease.

Mr Justice McDonald said the port company required the land for development of core activities and the no-deal Brexit situation had compounded that.

The judge said a December 31 date gave a reasonable period for vacating the premises.

He also made no order as to costs which means both sides pay their own costs.