A controversial move by a town council to reduce its high public liability insurance bill by publishing the names of those who sue it for trips and falls has produced results, according to the council.
Figures released yesterday by Tralee Town Council in Co Kerry reveal the lowest number of claims against the council in years.
In 2000, there were 39 public liability claims against the council. Of those suing, one person had made five previous claims, another had made three, and two other people had one previous claim each.
In 2002, there were 29 claims during the first seven months of the year. In the first seven months of this year, there have been only nine.
Early this year, the council said it was setting out to tackle "unsustainable" insurance bills.
This resulted in the publication of the names and addresses of six people, and their solicitors, who had lodged claims against the council in the period from January to March. Details of the type of claim and injury cited were also included.
The announcement, published in the Kerryman and headed "Public Liability Claims 2003", said the claims were for personal injuries: five for falls and one for a footpath trip.
The decision to publish was taken "in order that the rate-payers and taxpayers who contribute to the €1 million insurance provision can see who is seeking compensation", said town clerk Mr John Breen.
The town's €1 million bill for insurance represents 8 per cent of its annual revenue and is provided from the general resources of the council.
This money, if available to the council, would build nine family-type houses and would be sufficient to provide for the maintenance of the town park for five years, Mr Breen said.
A council spokeswoman said yesterday that despite legal threats against the council, it had decided to continue the campaign by publishing the names of claimants on a quarterly basis, with the next round out in September.
Some of those whose names were published have issued defamation proceedings against the council.