A dispute over the planned sale of a Dublin city centre pub has come before the Commercial Court.

Lawyers for receiver Seán McNamara and Vesta Mortgages Ltd said a contract has been agreed to sell Kennedy’s pub at Westland Row and they were anxious to conclude the sale process as soon as possible.

They claim a legal action by the bar’s owners, Trinity Taverns Ltd, challenging the planned sale is part of a strategy designed to prevent completion of a lawful sale and is vexatious in nature.

It is claimed parties connected to Trinity Taverns have registered a lis pendens or claim concerning the property. It is also claimed an offer to buy the bar was made by a person connected with Trinity Taverns but was turned down.

The judge directed the statement of claim be served within a week before adjourning the matter to next month.