The owner of a Co Galway guesthouse has claimed the operator breached its licensing agreement by using it to house as many Ukrainian refugees as possible, reports Breaking News.
In the disputed case, Maldua Limited alleges that Naomi Walton allowed Maldua House in Clifden to run as a guest house but changed its use without prior written consent to accommodate larger numbers of refugees.
Accommodation of the refugees themselves will be acceptable, but the basic layout and structure of the “luxury” guesthouse has been modified to accommodate as many people as possible, Maldua said, reports Breaking News.
It alleges he made extensive unauthorized alterations to the property without permission and without complying with fire safety and planning regulations, which caused serious damage, including structural alterations and “shoddy” electrical work.
Ms Walton denied any wrongdoing and said the changes, fully compliant with fire safety requirements, were necessary to carry out urgently needed repairs and facilitate the arrival of refugees.
According to her, the agreement is not a license but a lease, which gives it greater statutory protection.
She claims she invested significant money in the building, assuming she would be able to buy it.
She claims that she has a right to be in possession of the premises.
She says the frame walls that have been built can be reversed and the property restored to its original condition if necessary.
She spent €25,000 on a new fire protection system after being warned that the electrical installation was too dangerous.
Each party holds the other responsible for any fire that occurs on the property.
Justice Liam Kennedy detailed the dispute in a ruling on Maldua’s application for an interim injunction, which expires pending resolution of the case and requires the plaintiff to vacate the Galway Road property due to an alleged breach of “licence” agreement, reports Breaking News.
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