Six-figure sum for council legal fees

HUNDREDS of thousands of euros were spent by Clare County Council on legal fees in 2012, according to figures presented at this week’s meeting of the local authority.
Michael P Houlihan Solicitors were the biggest beneficiaries. The council paid them a total of €421,492 over the year, an average of well over €1,000 a day.
Dermot Flanagan SC received close to €100,000, James Connolly SC received €59,339 while Patrick G Quinn received €49,740.
Numerous solicitors received payments following the acquisition of wayleaves and land.
According to the document, getting advice on the Shannon Bridge Crossing led to expenses of €134,614, while advice in relation to extinguishing rights of way led to an overall cost of €93,000. Legal advice relating to Traveller accommodation cost the council just under €90,000.
The full list is: Shannon Bridge Crossing 134,614; Extinguishment of Right of Way 93,006; Traveller Accommodation 89,726; Ennis Water Treatment Settlement 76,073; Land / Wayleave Acquisitions 63,038; Civil Claim Water Services 58,203; Planning Enforcement 34,405; Water Services – Judicial Review 27,656; Doolin Pier 21,970; Ennis Bypass – Circuit Court Case 21,872; Fire Licensing Applications 16,374; Housing General – TP, title Reg etc 12,495; Miscellaneous Items 39,393.