The Supreme Court yesterday dismissed an appeal against a High Court order granting the costs of a 15-day hearing to a group which found the wrecks of three Spanish Armada ships off the Irish coast.
The hearing was part of lengthy legal proceedings involving the State and the group which found the wrecks of the sailing vessels, La Lavia, Juliana and Santa Maria de la Vision, at Sreedagh, Co Sligo, in May 1995.
The ships formed part of the Spanish Armada that was lost in 1588.
In October 1996 a High Court judge found the group should receive a fair and reasonable reward for an archaeological discovery of historical importance.
The group is made up mainly of people who live in England.
The High Court awarded costs to the group.
It was represented by two company directors, Mr Alan King, of Narborough, Leicestershire, and Mr Harry Chapman, of Hinckley, Leicestershire.
Delivering the Supreme Court judgment, the Chief Justice, Mr Justice Hamilton, said the group had expended considerable resources in its investigation.
At all times, it had informed and co-operated with the relevant State agencies.
He was satisfied that the case was "exceptional". Justice required that the group not be at any particular loss because of its efforts in this regard, including the costs of the proceedings.
Mr Justice Hamilton said that in the particular and exceptional circumstances of the case, he was satisfied that the High Court judge was correct in his order relating to costs. The appeal was dismissed.