A threat to the publication of supplements and advertising inserts in 17 regional and national newspapers was temporarily blocked yesterday by the High Court.

Mr Justice Frank Clarke granted Thomas Crosbie Holdings Ltd (TCH), Thomas Crosbie Printers Ltd (TCP) and Examiner Publications (Cork) Ltd an injunction restraining Webprint Concepts Ltd (WCL) from breaching an agreement to print supplements and inserts for its newspapers.

Una Tighe, counsel for Crosbie group, said Webprint Concepts Ltd held the contract for printing the Irish Examiner and Evening Echo as well as Waterford News & Star which include inserts for Sky, Dell, First Active and Four Star Pizza.

She said WCL had initiated a claim against TCH, TCP and Examiner Publications for alleged breach of contract which would in all probability be transferred to the Commercial Court of the High Court following failure of mediation talks.

Ms Tighe said that part of the printing deal included the printing and inclusion of valuable advertisement inserts as well as equally valuable farming, property, sporting and several other supplements in the group's newspapers.

She said WCL had threatened as part of the ongoing dispute not to print or include any inserts or supplements as and from Monday next.