Decision expected in Lissadell rights-of-way case
A decision is expected today in the long-running legal row over public rights of way at the Lissadell estate in Sligo.
It is believed the legal bills could top the sum paid for the tourist attraction, which is the former home of Constance Markievicz.
In 2003 barristers Constance Cassidy and Edward Walsh paid €4m for the 410-acre site at Lisadell and have since spent some €9.5m restoring it.
They brought these proceedings against Sligo County Council to obtain declarations that four routes through the estate are not subject to any public rights of way.
The case came about after the council passed a resolution to preserve the public routes.
As a result of that decision, Lisadell’s owners closed the doors in 2009 claiming they could not run the house as a tourist destination.
Now after a protracted legal battle with 52 witnesses, the High Court will try to settle the matter.
