Move to overturn decision halting price-fixing action

Companies of businessman Seamus Maye are seeking to overturn a High Court decision halting an action in which they allege they were forced out of business due to the operation by cement giants CRH and Readymix of an alleged cartel in the cement industry.

Mr Justice John Cooke halted the companies’ actions last July after finding that “manifestly inordinate” and inexcusable delay in prosecuting the case since it was initiated in late 1996 had prejudiced the defendants’ rights to a fair trial. The companies are seeking to have this overturned on grounds of “objective bias” by Mr Justice Cooke arising from his having had a CRH shareholding.

CRH is opposing the applications and has also brought motions which, if granted, would require the companies to provide security for the legal costs of the proceedings.

The various matters came before the Supreme Court yesterday. Chief Justice Ms Justice Susan Denham agreed to adjourn them to next month for further case management.