Abbeytrill Partnership, in a High Court case, insinuates that the Department of Integration has failed to clear outstanding invoices amounting to €1.9 million for the housing arrangement dedicated to asylum seekers. The unpaid amount reportedly increases by €610 daily due to interest. This arrangement involves Abbeytrill’s centre at Ballybrit, Galway’s business park, contracted to lodge 302 global protection claimants. The cost is earmarked at €24,703 per day, VAT inclusive, charged to the State.
Court hearing from Monday reveals that the disputed amount relates to unsettled invoices for accommodation provided in July, August, and some of September, during which Abbeytrill was ensuring its property complied with building regulations to the satisfaction of Galway City Council.
Abbeytrill’s top executive, Martin Walsh, a.k.a. Joey Walsh, in a sworn statement, indicates approximately 100 inhabitants were initially housed at the facility, based on a two-year agreement effected in May 2023. Prior to sealing the deal, Abbeytrill reportedly communicated with the Minister, stating it was in talks with Galway City Council concerning compliance issue – a senior barrister had opined that the council’s stipulations were “excessive.”
The local administration, in early June, reportedly informed Abbeytrill that the property did not meet building regulations. Despite this, the department cleared invoices for the period between May 29th and June 30th. However, it signalled to Abbeytrill on June 30th that payments were being put on hold.
The director stressed that the department was cognizant of the compliance problem before signing the contract, and non-payment was bringing about critical cash flow challenges. In response, the department relayed that held payments would be immediately disbursed once compliance certification was provided by the council.
Payment recommenced on September 29th, covering from September 11th till month end, and all successive invoices were settled. However, Abbeytrill levels allegations of contract breach against the Minister, following the department’s failure to settle invoices for over two months – a violation of the May contract.
Abbeytrill is now seeking a court ruling for the payment of €1.78 million plus €111,000 interest, and ongoing interest assessed at €610 per day. It is also seeking damages for the alleged contract breach.
On Monday, Abbeytrill’s legal representative, Tomás Keys, alongside Martin Hayden SC, informed the court that attempts at dispute resolution via mediation were not successful. The Minister didn’t go against Abbeytrill’s appeal for the lawsuit to be moved to the High Court’s expedited commercial section, as expressed by her lead counsel, Shelley Horan. Ms Horan conveyed a lapse in providing liveable housing that met legal stipulations. The case was admitted to the Commercial Court by Mr Justice Denis McDonald, who highlighted that the out of court resolution attempts were futile. The case has been temporarily set aside. You can subscribe to push notifications to get the most relevant news, reviews, and comments sent directly to your phone. Keep in touch with The Irish Times on WhatsApp for the most recent updates. Also, tune into our Inside Politics Podcast for the latest discussions and analysis.