Judge Liam Devally of the Circuit Court yesterday ensured a silent Christmas for 10 elderly residents in the 300-year-old Widows Alms House on Nicholas Street, Limerick. They are to get £1,500 each and have their windows and doors double-glazed, at a cost to Shannon Development of £80,000. The widows and some other elderly residents successfully objected at the District Court to the granting of 13 late-night extensions to allow some 50 Christmas parties, including one by a local Garda unit, at the Castle Lane Tavern. The widows told the judge their main objection was the excessive noise level from the tavern during banquets.
The judge allowed the appeal by Shannon Heritage and Banqueting Ltd after hearing they had reached an agreement with the local residents.