The High Court has reserved its decision on liability for the costs of a landowner’s action disputing the existence of a public right of way for walkers over his Co Wicklow property.
Last month, Mr Justice John MacMenamin granted Joseph Walker a declaration there was no public right-of-way over 500m of his property at Annacrivey, Enniskerry.
Mr Walker, following a lengthy dispute with members of the Enniskerry Walkers’ Association (EWA), had brought proceedings against Niall Lenoach, Monastery Grove, Enniskerry and Noel Barry, of Monastery, Enniskerry. Both are described as “leading members” of the EWA, formed to agitate for and promote the opening up of old roads and rights of ways for the benefit of the public.
Yesterday, the matter was returned before the judge in relation to liability for the costs, likely to be substantial, of the 11-day case.
Mr Justice McMenamin said he would give his decision on costs as soon as possible and also invited the parties to try and work out a compromise over their differences.