Negotiations are still under way to try to resolve the legal dispute which led to the eviction of two elderly sisters from their home in Blackrock, Co Dublin, three months ago.
The case of Rose and Eileen Blackall, who are both in their 80s, was again before the Supreme Court yesterday, but on the application of the sisters' counsel, Dr Michael Forde SC, it was taken out of the court list. Dr Forde asked that the case be taken out with liberty to re-enter. He added that if the case ever did come back to court, it could then deal with it.
The Chief Justice, Mr Justice Hamilton, said he would take the case out of the list but would not give liberty for it to be re-entered. He said if counsel wanted to apply again at a future date, the court would deal with the application. No notice of appeal had been served, Mr Justice Hamilton said.
The two sisters were evicted from their home following years of litigation in the Circuit Court and High Court. They brought the matter to the Supreme Court following their eviction. It has been before that court for mention on a number of occasions.
After the case was before the court yesterday, it was learned that negotiations are still going on to try to find a settlement to the dispute. The sisters are now living in nearby alternative accommodation.
The Supreme Court turned down an application yesterday for costs against the sisters. The Chief Justice said that, as the case was not properly before the court, it did not have any jurisdiction.
The application for costs was made by Ms Caroline Costello, for Ms Iris Blackall, personal representative of her late husband, Mr Gerard Blackall, a brother of the two sisters. Ms Costello said the case had been before the Supreme Court on four occasions, although there was no notice of appeal.