An order for the arrest of the replica famine ship, the Jeanie Johnston, which is lying in Fenit, Co Kerry, was made by the High Court yesterday.
The arrest was sought by lawyers for an electrical contracting company which claims it is owed more than €170,000 for work on the vessel, and materials and services supplied to it.
The President of the High Court, Mr Justice Finnegan, granted the order against the owners and all persons claiming an interest in the ship on the application of M. J. Marshall Electrical Ltd, of Muckross Grove, Killarney. The arrest is to continue until further court order.
The company claims it is owed €179,336 for work carried out until July 4th, 2001. There is also a claim for interest from that date until the date of payment or judgment.
In an affidavit presented by Mr Michael McGrath SC, Mr Michael Marshall, director of the company, said the Jeanie Johnston was owned by the Jeanie Johnston (Ireland) Co Ltd. On February 11th, 2000, it was agreed between the plaintiffs and the owners to carry out electrical installations. Work on the electrical installation began at Fenit in April 2000.
A ceiling price of €111,040 (£87,450) was shown on the quotation. He was reluctant to give any firm price in view of the vagueness of the specification in many crucial areas, Mr Marshall said. He was only prepared to submit any price on the strict understanding that the work would actually be carried out on a time and materials basis.
Problems arose continuously because of the unique nature of the vessel. While designed as a replica famine ship, it was also required to comply with current safety regulations applicable to an ocean-going passenger vessel.
Mr Marshall said it was ultimately accepted by both parties that, because of delays and alterations, the ceiling price and initial projected finishing date would be exceeded.
His company stopped work on May 25th, 2001.On June 26th last, for the first time, the owners alleged that certain work carried out by the plaintiff was unsatisfactory and not up to marine standards, he said.